Home / Crime and Justice / Care home death: Wrongful morphine given, jury hears
Care home death: Wrongful morphine given, jury hears
2 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Patient died after receiving wrong medication at care home.
- Expert believes failure to disclose error contributed to death.
- Patient should have received intensive care for monitoring.
A trial is underway concerning the death of Derek Davies, 75, who received the incorrect medication at Wheatridge Court care home. Care worker Jane Barnard, 66, administered morphine in error on September 8, 2021, and failed to report it for two days. This delay, an intensive care expert testified, likely contributed to Mr. Davies' death.
Professor Barbara Philips told Gloucester Crown Court that Mr. Davies displayed clear signs of opioid toxicity upon hospital admission. She stated that the patient should have been admitted to intensive care for closer monitoring and treatment, rather than general ward care. While admitting neglect, Ms. Barnard denies manslaughter.
Ms. Barnard, who worked at the now-closed Wheatridge Court for 32 years, described the pandemic as an "exhausting" period for staff, citing low morale and fear. She explained that staff felt frightened, impacting their confidence and ability to comfort residents. The trial continues.
