A 34-year-old father died after collapsing in an Accident and Emergency waiting room where he was allegedly left 'like a dog rolling around on the floor' by hospital staff, his son has claimed.
'Agonising' Pain and a Plea for Dignity
Thomas Casey passed away at Broomfield Hospital in Essex on Friday, 16 January 2026. His son, 19-year-old Thomas Jr, alleges his father presented with clear signs of a cardiovascular issue but was told to wait and given only painkillers.
Thomas Jr described his father being in 'agonising' pain in full view of other patients. He asked staff for a screen to preserve his father's dignity, stating he was a 'very proud man'. He claims a doctor dismissively told him, 'Tell [the other patients] to look the other way then.'
'They didn't care about him,' Thomas Jr told the BBC. 'They left him like a dog rolling around on the floor. It was inhumane.'
A 'Gruesome' Final Scene and Ongoing Investigation
The young man recounted the traumatic final moments, stating medical staff performed CPR on his father on the waiting room floor. Thomas Casey was then moved to a nearby room, where he was declared dead.
'I will never forget the gruesome sight of my father on the floor, blue in the face with white froth dripping from his mouth,' said his son.
The case has prompted an immediate investigation. NHS Mid and South Essex, which runs the hospital, confirmed it is probing the care Mr Casey received. The trust's chief medical officer, Christine Blanshard, offered condolences and said the family would be invited to discuss their concerns.
MP's Intervention and Allegations of Discrimination
Chelmsford MP Marie Goldman has written to the hospital, calling the incident 'deeply distressing' and demanding to know what immediate action is being taken to protect patients.
Thomas Jr revealed his father, described as a 'mini humanitarian' from Tottenham, London, had visited Basildon Hospital the previous day but left after a seven-hour wait. The son also suggested his family, who are from the traveller community, may have faced discrimination from staff.
The trust has extended an invitation to the family to meet with senior management as the investigation gets underway.
