Nottingham Attack Survivor Warns of Future Tragedies Without Systemic Changes
A survivor of the 2023 Nottingham attacks, Wayne Birkett, has issued a stark warning: without significant improvements to mental health services in the region, similar incidents could occur again. Birkett, who suffered severe injuries and a coma as a result of the attack, criticized the lack of progress at the Nottinghamshire healthcare NHS foundation trust, which was responsible for Valdo Calocane's mental health care.
The attacks, which occurred on June 13, 2023, resulted in the deaths of Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates, all aged 19 and 65 respectively. Calocane, who had a history of paranoid schizophrenia, was diagnosed with manslaughter and attempted murder, with a hospital order imposed in January 2024.
A damning report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) revealed a series of errors and misjudgments in Calocane's mental health care, posing an ongoing risk to patient and public safety. The trust was previously told to make significant improvements after CQC inspections identified issues in five mental health services and breaches of regulation in ten others.
Birkett, who continues to manage complex brain and physical injuries, expressed fear that nothing has changed since the initial report, stating, 'It already has happened again... Wait for another Nottingham attack I suppose, it will happen unless something is done.'
Greg Almond, representing Birkett and Miller, emphasized the concern for public safety, urging for drastic action to ensure the safety of mental health services in Nottingham. The survivors will meet with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to call for serious intervention.
The inquiry into the attacks aims to uncover the truth and prevent future tragedies. Birkett and Miller will participate, hoping to find answers and recommendations to address the systemic issues in mental health care.
Despite the tragedy, Birkett remains optimistic, stating, 'I’m getting better than I was but I don’t think I’ll ever get better, just got to learn to live with what is wrong.' The government, meanwhile, has committed to reforming the Mental Health Act and ensuring comprehensive action plans for mental health providers.
