Joy Osundeko, a 13-year-old girl from St Helens, England, has died months after a care nurse accidentally switched off the ventilator supporting her breathing for almost six minutes. Her parents, Bisi and Mayo Osundeko, have spoken publicly about the distressing incident, the impact on their daughter’s health, and their continuing struggle to obtain answers.
According to reports, CCTV footage captured the moment the nurse switched off the ventilator at Joy’s home. Her parents discovered that the machine had stopped working and urgently intervened, administering manual oxygen until their daughter began breathing again. Although Joy survived the immediate incident, her family later observed a serious deterioration in her health.
Joy died four months after the ventilator incident, reportedly following a stroke. The circumstances have raised serious concerns for her family about the care she received and whether the incident contributed to the decline in her condition. However, the care provider has disputed that the mistake caused lasting injury or contributed to her death.
Optima Health, the care firm involved, acknowledged that the ventilator had been switched off accidentally. Despite that admission, the company denied that the incident caused lasting harm or played a role in Joy’s subsequent death. The family has continued to seek accountability and an explanation for how such a serious error could have occurred.
In an emotional statement, Joy’s mother, Bisi, described her daughter as a child whose smile could light up any room. She said the family felt failed by the system and expressed frustration that the nurse had not provided an explanation for the incident. For Joy’s parents, the unanswered questions have compounded the grief of losing their daughter.
The family also requested an inquest into Joy’s death, but the request was rejected. According to the report, the coroner cited the time that had elapsed since her death and the lack of vital evidence following her cremation. The decision has left the family continuing to seek clarity about the events surrounding the ventilator incident and Joy’s later death.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is investigating the incident. A spokesperson expressed condolences to the Osundeko family and confirmed that the nurse is subject to precautionary restrictions on their practice while the investigation continues. The outcome of the investigation has not yet been established in the supplied report.
Joy’s death has left her family facing profound grief while seeking answers about the care she received. Her parents’ account has also drawn attention to the importance of safe care procedures, reliable equipment management, and clear communication when serious mistakes occur. As the investigation continues, the family hopes for an explanation and accountability for what happened to their daughter.
May Joy Osundeko rest in peace.