Giuseppe “Joe” Ulleri, a 61-year-old man with Down syndrome, entered a hospital in Manchester, England, with the hope of returning home after a brief stay. Unfortunately, his hospitalization turned into a 20-day ordeal during which he was denied food, ultimately resulting in his untimely death.
Joe’s journey into the hospital began when he fell at an assisted living facility. Initially, he was discharged and told he could return to the assisted living center. However, subsequent tests revealed multiple fractures, including those in his pelvis and neck, necessitating surgery.
Due to Joe’s difficulty in swallowing food, his caregivers refrained from providing him with any oral sustenance. Regrettably, the hospital staff encountered challenges in understanding his feeding requirements and orders, leaving him without nourishment for nearly three weeks. Although the hospital boasted advanced medical technology, concerns arose regarding the quality of care provided.
During his hospitalization, Joe received attention from doctors to address his speech and swallowing difficulties. In an attempt to provide nutrition, a gastric tube was inserted through Joe’s nose for approximately 24 hours. Tragically, it proved insufficient, and Joe succumbed to the severe lack of nourishment in his body.
Joe’s family is now pointing fingers at the hospital for its actions, blaming them for his tragic death. This heartbreaking incident underscores the importance of ensuring proper care and understanding for individuals with unique medical needs, especially in healthcare facilities equipped with advanced technology.
