Family Speak Out Following Hearing

The family of Andy Clegg has issued a statement following the conclusion of an inquest into his death from Legionnaires’ disease contracted at Fordingbridge Care Home on 5 November, 2017.

Today the jury has reached its verdict that Andy died as a result him contracting the Legionella bacteria at Fordingbridge Care Home.

In a joint statement, Andy’s siblings, Joanne Denyer and Matt Clegg, said: “Andy was a loving and generous soul and the pain and suffering he experienced in the days before he died remains with us.

“For more than 16 months, our family have had to try and come to terms with what happened while having many questions about the events that unfolded in the lead up to Andy’s death.

“The last few days have been incredibly difficult but we were determined to honour Andy’s memory by obtaining the answers he deserved. We would like to thank our legal team for their ongoing support and guidance, and the Coroner and the jury for listening to the evidence and answering the many questions we had.

“We entrusted Sentinel to look after Andy but our family find it difficult not to think we were let down with terrible consequences.

“All we can hope for now is that his death was not totally in vain and his death reinforces how dangerous Legionnaire’s can be. It is vital that businesses and public bodies ensure they take all necessary steps to prevent others contracting the disease.”

Expert Opinion

“Andy’s death has had a profound effect on all of his family and for the last 16 months they have had a number of concerns which have been ignored by Sentinel until today when they have finally accepted that Andy contracted Legionnaires’ disease at the Fordingbridge Care Home and this ultimately caused his untimely death.

“Whilst nothing can ever make up for Andy’s death we are pleased that the hearing has helped answer the family’s concerns and we are pleased the Coroner will now write to the Care Quality Commission to raise his concerns that more needs to be done for the training of inspectors in water safety to prevent future deaths from Legionnaires’ disease in the care setting.

“The Coroner has also announced his intention to write to the Royal Institute of British Architects to consider the layout and design of buildings in the care setting to reduce risk of growth of the Legionella bacteria.

“We will continue to support Jo, Matt and the rest of Andy’s family at this difficult time and continue to help them honour their memory of Andy.” Jatinder Paul - Partner

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