Woman made ‘erroneous’ complaints about virtually everyone caring for sick daughter – judge
A woman has made complaints about “virtually all” of the “significant professionals” involved in the care of her sick daughter, a judge says.
Mr Justice Poole says the woman has complained to regulators about the conduct of doctors, nurses, social workers, barristers, a judge – and a council.
He says he is not aware that any complaints have been upheld or sanctions imposed.
The judge, who is based in London, has overseen litigation centered on the woman’s daughter at hearings in the Court of Protection, where judges consider issues relating to people who lack the mental capacity to take decisions for themselves.
He has outlined detail of the case, and the woman’s complaints, in a written ruling, published online, on one of the latest stages of the litigation.
Mr Justice Poole said it was “apparent” that the woman “has no qualms” about making “career-threatening allegations” against professionals on the “mistaken basis” that there is a “conspiracy to harm” her daughter.
The judge said the woman’s daughter had a variety of physical and mental difficulties, including paranoid schizophrenia, lived in a care home, and needed 24-hour care.
He said the woman’s daughter, who is in her 30s, could not be identified in media reports of the case – and he has not named the council which has responsibilities for her care.
Mr Justice Poole said he had made orders limiting the amount of contact between mother and daughter.
He said the woman had “an unshakable but erroneous” belief that her daughter was “being abused and harmed” by a “conspiracy” of medical and other professionals.
The judge said evidence showed that her beliefs had “no foundation in fact”.
“Her way of fighting for her daughter is to be confrontational, to complain in the strongest terms, to berate those who do not share her view – which is everyone involved in (her daughter’s) care and the court process,” said Mr Justice Poole.
“(Her) conduct is corrosive to the morale of those trying to care for (her daughter), which itself risks harm to (her daughter).”
The judge said: “(She) has made formal complaints, including to professional regulators, about virtually all significant professionals involved with (her daughter).”
He added: “No upheld complaints or sanctions have been brought to my attention.”
“Indeed, (her) constant grievance is that nobody is listening to her.
“It was apparent to me at the hearing that (she) has no qualms about making career-threatening allegations against professionals on the mistaken basis that there is a conspiracy to harm her daughter.”
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