Can no one bring an end to this appalling situation?

Thursday 28th May 2009, 2:59PM BST.

From Dennie de Faye.
I AM writing to voice my deep concern on behalf of John Day, a gentleman, I would stress ‘gentle’, who came to us in Jersey a good many years ago to serve our community through our Hospital as a highly-qualified surgeon.

I am very happy to say that he and his wife have been not only friends of mine, but helped in making my return to Jersey in 2003, by their constant kindnesses, a real homecoming, along with my own family, of course, and old friends.

The facts of the case, as I know them, are that having an honourable record throughout his working days with us, that interestingly took him to be head of his department, Mr Day is now being made a victim, I would dare to suggest a scapegoat, for an operation that sadly ended in the tragic death of the patient.

It is clear to me that whatever is generally thought by many people that Mr Day should be held responsible, there are many others who, knowing all the facts, would hotly disagree. Leaving aside the details surrounding the operation itself, my challenge is to the Hospital authorities who have put Mr Day and his family in a position of guilt and thereby brought disrespect and distrust upon themselves.

I would remind them that at the outset, some 20 months ago, Mr Day was not charged by the police. He has never been given a chance to speak in court for himself and I personally know that he and his family have endured with courage and dignity an isolation which few can imagine, or could themselves bear.

In order not to be too lengthy, I will close by asking: Is Jersey any more a community that cares about unnecessary, long-term suffering?

Can the Hospital authorities be considered blameless in prolonging an honourable end to this appalling situation?

Are there not those in the government, the police or the judiciary who can put aside all the so-called evidence and see their way to the truth?
Meanwhile I, as a Jersey woman, confess that I am ashamed of standing by silently and I trust justice, honesty and truth will prevail.
5 Windsor Cottages,
Rue de la Sente Maillard,
Grouville.

1
Tony Bellows

May 29, 2009 at 8:40 am

This certainly brings home that suspension is rarely a “neutral act” as we are so often told. Rather it seems to act as a passport to “limbo” where there is no redress; a no man’s land where transparency does not apply, and where there is no evidence of a proper timetable and hearings to settle matters.

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2
Adrian

May 29, 2009 at 11:04 am

I myself can’t believe they have chosen to try and blame this honourable man. He has given many excellent years of service and to be treated like this in my opinion stinks.

There are those who were responsible for this state of affairs and they need to be held to account for this tragedy. As far as I am concerned the buck stops with the person in overall charge of things.

I and many others await with interest the development of this case and expect someone to brought to account for this. If no one is held to account then I believe it will be a travesty of justice.

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3
Gross Misconduct

May 30, 2009 at 10:23 pm

I agree completely with this letter, what has happened to John Day is nothing short of a scandal. He has been scapegoated without any opportunity to tell his story, meanwhile those who are to blame for this whole sorry episode continue to hold high positions within the health service.

Most importantly Mrs Rourke and her family have not received justice, those really responsible have not been held to account; this could happen again to any one of us.

A sobering thought.

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