THE SISTER of a psychiatric patient who died after a fire started in her bedroom is appealing for contributions to her legal battle and fight for justice.
Sarah Williams was a patient in the Daisy Ward of Prospect Park Hospital and was due to be moved to a more secure location days after the blaze broke out on December 6, 2015.
Her sister Tracey was represented at a pre-inquest review on October 27, but the family may need to raise funds for the full hearing if the application for legal aid is not successful.
Sefton Kwasnik, speaking on behalf of the family, described her as a ‘ticking time bomb’ and said she had ‘lost the will to live’ following allegations of assault.
The 36-year-old was assessed as a ‘known-risk’ and had a history of starting fires and reports from the emergency services suggested she refused to leave when firefighters arrived shortly after 10.30pm.
One member of staff is currently being investigated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with family members suggesting more could have been done to prevent her death.
“She had a fun sense of humour,” said Tracey. “She wasn’t just a patient she was my sister, an auntie to my two children and a daughter.
“We really need funding to fight this case with our solicitor, who is a specialist in this area. It is going to be a long hard fight.
“I know the people of Reading left nice comments when she died, so I am sure people will remember her.
“Sarah was a popular amongst other patients and happy bubbly joker.”
The CQC reopened its investigation after a new victim came forward with evidence.
Mr Kwasnic added: “This tragic incident comes against the backdrop of a diagnosed patient with a clear history of starting fires.
“Given the knowledge and the known risk of the patient, you would have thought more would be done to mitigate that risk.”
Peter Bedford, senior coroner for Berkshire, indicated a jury inquest would be necessary, but was reluctant to proceed before the CQC’s findings had been produced.
Her family have set up an online fundraising page and are aiming to raise £3,000 to get justice for Sarah.
Visit: http://bit.ly/2h7Dist to make a donation to the online fundraising page.
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