Losing track of Jennyfer proved fatal

Published: 24 June, 2010

• I WAS tempted to respond to John Stratton's letter (Unfair to council staff, June 17) in an irate manner but I realise this correspondent is probably just a little naive.

Here are a few pointers for him:He says “Camden has one of the most outstanding and caring social services organisations in the country”.

As rated by whom? Certainly not by anyone I’ve ever encountered who’s ever been in the system (that’s quite a few!).

He also states: “Your persistence in running this story is distasteful and grossly unfair to Camden staff”.

Not as distasteful as losing track of Jennyfer Spencer which ultimately could’ve prevented her untimely death.

Nor, I would suggest, as “grossly unfair” as detached and arrogant council management staff are to many residents in Camden.

Finally Mr Stratton states: “The woman (Jennyfer had a name you know) died in unknown circumstances which have already been investigated…” Frankly the council’s complaints and investigations procedure is a very unfunny joke.

Any complaint made against an individual is investigated by their friends and colleagues which could hardly be described as independent and is promptly rejected (surprise, surprise).

Unsurprising is the usual silence from the three main parties’ councillors on the issue of Jennyfer’s tragic death.

History has shown, notably in recent events, that governments – local and national – cannot be trusted to handle mistakes in-house and the judiciary and independent public inquiries are the only fair ways to investigate such things.

Sincere condolences to Jennyfer Spencer’s family and friends and good luck in securing a proper investigation into these tragic events.

JOHN LAWSON
Adelaide Road, NW3