Ex-footballer Colin Flatt 'stripped of his health, dignity, and life by NHS'

Ex-footballer Colin Flatt 'stripped of his health, dignity, and life by NHS'

Nikki Fox, the East of England health correspondent, and Matt Precey of BBC East Investigations reported on the tragic case of Colin Flatt, a former footballer who suffered from dementia and died after falling from a height. His family shared that he had endured mistreatment while in NHS care, leading to his tragic passing.

Colin Flatt, known for his time playing for clubs like Leyton Orient and Cambridge United, was moved between 12 different settings in the months leading up to his death at Basildon Hospital in September 2021. An investigation commissioned by the NHS revealed that he received unsafe medication, suffered injuries while being restrained, and was placed in inappropriate environments that violated his human rights.

After becoming agitated during a family visit, Mr. Flatt stabbed himself with a pair of scissors and subsequently fell from a first-floor landing at Basildon Hospital, succumbing to his injuries. The report detailed his struggles with memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease, which led to multiple transfers between hospitals and care homes due to a lack of suitable care accommodations.

The investigation highlighted several failures in Mr. Flatt’s treatment, including the inappropriate use of medication, restraints, and room placements. His partner, Melanie Leahy, expressed deep sorrow over the rapid decline in his health and the lack of professional care that ultimately led to his untimely death. The case is set to be further examined in an upcoming inquest scheduled for August 2026, following the Lampard Inquiry’s investigation into historical shortcomings within Essex’s mental health services.

In response to the findings, NHS trusts involved in Mr. Flatt’s care expressed condolences to his family and committed to implementing necessary changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The overall aim is to ensure the highest standards of care across mental health services, supporting vulnerable patients and honoring the memory of Colin Flatt through continued learning and improvements

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