Frustration that nurse responsible for diabetes death can resume working

David Pitt, whose wife died as a result of negligent diabetes care in Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, Worcestershire has voiced frustration and hurt that the nurse responsible will be allowed to practice in 5 years time.
Margaret Pitt, a patient with type 1 diabetes had been admitted to Alexandra Hospital with high blood sugar levels but died from brain injuries after suffering severe hypoglycemia under hospital care.
The death occurred because Mrs Pitt was not given food at her bed time and scheduled blood glucose tests were not taken. The nurse responsible for her care, Jackie Charma, claimed she had taken a blood test but no record of the test was found on any blood glucose monitor.
Nurse Charman was given a five year caution order by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The caution order would allow her to resume practising after five years providing she undergoes additional training.
Mrs Pitt’s husband responded, saying, “I don’t want to sound vindictive or cruel but my family lost a… wife and a mother we all loved dearly.” Adding, “Hearing she can go back to work after five years; at the moment I think this is horrific.”
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust have said it has taken action to improve its hospital care and offered sincere condolences to Mr Pitt and his family. Mr Pitt received an undisclosed settlement in August 2013 following the inquest that found the nurses responsible for Mrs Pitt’s death.