‘We may not get answers in our lifetime’
Families fear probe into War Memorial Hospital deaths will go on for years
FAMILIES pushing for a criminal prosecution after their relatives died at a hospital are concerned that they won’t see an end to the battle in their lifetime.
Those affected by 456 deaths at Gosport War Memorial Hospital in Gosport met representatives from Kent Police and the Crown Prosecution Service in Fareham yesterday, as they were updated on the ongoing criminal investigation into the deaths.
But with the investigation still in its infancy, many are concerned that they won’t live to see anyone prosecuted for the deaths.
Gillian Mackenzie, 86, from Eastbourne, has been campaigning for justice ever since her mother, Gladys Richards, died at the hospital in 1998.
‘I can’t go on living forever,’ she said.
‘The police are doing the best they can, but this is all taking up time.’
At the meeting, families were told about detective work being carried out at the War Memorial Hospital last month, but weren’t told about the nature of this work. Les Stubbington, 72, from Bracklesham Bay, is representing his father-in-law, Charles Lund, who died in 1991.
He said: ‘A lot of us have a full head of grey hair – and I’m one of the younger people at these meetings.
‘I think that’s why people find these meetings to be frustrating; progress is being made but they don’t have time on their side.
‘Something as complex as this must be looked at properly for us to get the result we want.’
But families have also been quick to praise the police officers in charge of the investigation, as well as Bishop James Jones, who led the independent inquiry.
Gillian Kimbley’s husband Robert Wilson died in 1998.
She said: ‘My husband has been gone for 22 years and we’re no closer to an answer.
‘But there is a lot more happening in terms of progress now, which is good to see.’
Linda Lacey, 71, from Waterlooville, added: ‘The police are being very helpful and Bishop Jones has worked so hard on this case – but this could go on for many more years unless some sort of miracle comes our way.’