The family of a former football player who suffered from dementia and passed away after a fall has reported that he experienced severe neglect during his time under NHS care, describing his treatment as having been “chemically sedated, deprived of freedom, mistreated, and demeaned.”

Colin Flatt, who played for teams such as Leyton Orient and Cambridge United, was moved among 12 different facilities in the months leading up to his fatal fall at Basildon Hospital in September 2021.

An inquiry funded by the NHS revealed significant shortcomings in his treatment, noting he was prescribed dangerous medications, injured during restraints, placed in unsuitable settings, and had his rights violated.

The NHS organizations involved expressed regret or indicated they were taking steps to enhance care standards.

Mr. Flatt, aged 81 at the time of his death, suffered an injury from which he could not recover after a fall at Basildon Hospital in Essex.

The independent report detailed that he had exhibited agitation following a family visit and had inflicted a stab wound to his abdomen with scissors. He subsequently fled from the ward and fell from a first-floor balcony onto a glass table.

Mr. Flatt, who also had a career with Southend United, Romford, Barnet, and Wisbech Town, was admitted to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford in May 2021 due to a low heart rate and was experiencing memory loss.

After being evaluated by the mental health team at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

The report noted that, after several episodes of violent behavior, he was moved to Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford on June 9th and detained under the Mental Health Act.

A Mental Health Tribunal concluded that he could be discharged, yet he struggled to adjust to home life. Eventually, he was accepted as a respite admission by a care home with support from EPUT.

Due to his needs not being fully addressed, he was then transferred to another care home with assistance from the North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT).

Mr. Flatt escaped from the care home and was brought back by the police, after which it was decided to admit him to Basildon Hospital due to his heart issues, leading to the fall that resulted in his death.

The investigation, led by NHS England, identified numerous failures in Mr. Flatt’s care and treatment, leading to 17 recommendations primarily aimed at the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT), which oversees Broomfield and Basildon hospitals.

Melanie Leahy, Mr. Flatt’s partner, expressed that he had been “stripped of his dignity,” stating, “I watched a strong, capable man enter the hospital seeking help, and within just 19 weeks, he was gone.” She lamented that “the lack of proper care, ineffective communication, inadequate oversight, and risky overmedication” led to the loss of Colin’s health and dignity.

“He was a professional athlete, a sailor, and a businessman—independent, proud, and full of humor and kindness. Witnessing his rapid decline while under professional care is something I will never overcome.”

An inquest into Mr. Flatt’s demise is scheduled for August 2026. His case has already been reviewed by the Lampard Inquiry, which examines historical deficiencies within Essex’s mental health services.

Ms. Leahy’s son, Matthew, also tragically passed away in 2012 while receiving care from the same services.

Christine Blanshard, chief medical officer of MSEFT, extended condolences to Colin’s family and assured them that lessons learned have led to improvements since his death in 2021. “We have presented a comprehensive action plan in response to the findings,” she stated.

Paul Scott, EPUT’s chief executive, shared his sympathies for Mr. Flatt’s family and friends, acknowledging the failures in his care.

A spokesperson for NELFT said, “We offer our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Flatt’s family. We hope the investigation has clarified vital issues about the circumstances of his passing,” noting that the trust has made adjustments based on the report’s recommendations.

NHS England emphasized its commitment to achieving the highest standards in mental health services, supporting the most vulnerable patients and the staff committed to preventing such tragedies in the future.