Nottingham NHS trust criticised over killer’s care failings
CQC review exposes NHS trust's errors in care of Nottingham killer
Services responsible for the care of Nottingham killer Valdo Calocane have been criticised for having “blood on their hands” after an NHS trust reportedly downplayed critical details of the threat he posed to others. Calocane, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, fatally stabbed 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and 65-year-old caretaker Ian Coates in June 2023. Prosecutors accepted a manslaughter plea based on diminished responsibility, leading to his detention in a high-security hospital in January, likely for life.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) conducted a three-part review into how Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) managed Calocane’s care. From May 2020 to September 2022, the trust’s risk assessments reportedly understated his refusal to take medication and persistent psychosis symptoms. While some risks were noted, key details were allegedly omitted or minimised.
Despite clear evidence that Calocane would likely relapse into distressing symptoms and potentially aggressive behaviour, NHFT discharged him to his GP in 2022. Calocane had been detained in hospital four times under mental health laws before the attacks. The CQC identified “a series of errors, omissions and misjudgements” in his care.
Chris Dzikiti, the interim chief inspector of healthcare, stated, “Poor decision-making, omissions, and errors of judgement contributed to a situation where a patient with serious mental health issues did not receive the necessary support and follow-up.” While he acknowledged that it is impossible to confirm whether the June events could have been prevented with proper support, he emphasised that the risk Calocane posed to the public was not managed effectively and opportunities to mitigate that risk were missed.
The CQC questioned the trust’s engagement with Calocane’s family, who had expressed concerns about his mental state multiple times. The families of the victims described the review’s findings as “devastating,” highlighting systemic failures within the mental health trust. They criticised the lack of accountability among senior management and called for a public inquiry, which will proceed after discussions with Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Attorney General Richard Hermer.
The special review ordered by then Health Secretary Victoria Atkins in January, after Calocane’s conviction, revealed that Calocane was “acutely unwell” while under the trust’s care. He showed symptoms of psychosis, had little understanding or acceptance of his condition, and had issues with medication adherence. The CQC suggested that if Calocane had been treated under section 3 of the Mental Health Act, longer-lasting medication could have been administered, or a community treatment order could have been considered. Instead, he was placed under section 2, typically used for individuals not known to mental health services.
Wes Streeting described the report as “distressing reading,” particularly for those affected by the loss, and emphasised the need to ensure such failures are not repeated elsewhere. An NHFT spokesperson acknowledged and accepted the report’s conclusions, noting significant improvements in processes and standards since the review.
The handling of Calocane’s case has sparked public outcry and led to multiple inquiries into the involved public bodies, including Nottinghamshire Police and Leicestershire Police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What were the key findings of the CQC review on Valdo Calocane’s care?
The CQC found poor decision-making, omissions, and errors in Calocane’s care, which missed opportunities to mitigate the risk he posed.
How did Calocane’s mental health issues contribute to the attacks?
Calocane, who has paranoid schizophrenia, was acutely unwell and had persistent psychosis symptoms, which were not managed well by the trust.
What was wrong with the trust’s risk assessments of Calocane?
The assessments minimized or omitted key details about Calocane’s refusal to take medication and his ongoing psychosis symptoms.
Why are the victims’ families upset with the NHS trust?
The families believe there were systemic failures in the mental health trust’s dealings with Calocane, leading to the fatal attacks.
What steps have been taken since the review of Calocane’s case?
The NHFT acknowledges the report’s conclusions and has significantly improved processes and standards since the review.
