Stabbed social worker wins right to sue bosses

A SOCIAL worker has won the right to sue the health trusts that were treating the psychiatric patient who stabbed her and left her for dead.

Mother-of-three Claire Selwood, 42, nearly bled to death after she was stabbed six times by Graham Burton, 45, at a school in Easington Colliery, County Durham, in 2006.

Burton was branded dangerous when he was later jailed indefinitely after admitting attempted murder.

Ms Selwood is suing her employer, Durham County Council, and the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust and the Northumberland , Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust because Burton had made threats to kill her that were not passed on to her.

Last year, Newcastle County Court dismissed the case against the trusts on the grounds they did not owe Ms Selwood a duty of care.

But that was yesterday overturned by the Court of Appeal in London.

It accepted it was arguable that the trusts owed her a duty of care based on their responsibilities under an agreed protocol.

Ms Selwood’s union Unison said that if she wins her action health trusts and councils could have to check out all threats made against staff and warn the intended victims.

Gill Hale, Unison Northern regional secretary, said: “We welcome today’s decision, which could lead to improved safety for lone workers like Claire. Organisations working in partnership with social workers and other vulnerable workers must be required to do a ‘Selwood Check’ to make sure that any threats made to employee’s lives are taken seriously and acted on.”

Ms Selwood, who now lives in Northumberland, said: “This has been a difficult time and I am very grateful for the help and assistance I have received from Unison.”

In a statement, the trusts and NHS Litigation Authority said: “The Court of Appeal has determined that the case can proceed to a full trial on all the issues.

“We understand how distressing this continues to be for Ms Selwood but, unfortunately, because proceedings are continuing on this case it would be inappropriate to make any further comment.”