Parents Call for Action After Nurse Turns Off Schoolgirl's Ventilator for Nearly Six Minutes Leading to Her Death
Parents of Joy Osundeko are calling for regulatory action after a care nurse switched off the schoolgirl's life-critical ventilator for nearly six minutes, an incident the family links to her later death.
The teenager from St Helens, Merseyside, who could not breathe independently, died on 13 June 2022 after a stroke that resulted in brainstem death. Bisi and Mayo Osundeko say they still lack a full explanation more than four years on, with the NMC now investigating.
The Incident Captured on Family CCTV
Joy had Down's syndrome, pulmonary hypertension and Moyamoya syndrome, requiring a tracheostomy and continuous ventilation. On 15 February 2022, after carers arrived around 8am and her father went to bed, the nurse employed by Optima Health and Social Care Ltd switched the machine off.
The nurse had cared for Joy on at least three previous occasions. CCTV recorded a 10-second sequence in which she pressed and held a button twice then touched the screen, after which the ventilator shut down with a sound and remained off for close to six minutes.
Mayo Osundeko recalled hearing his wife call that something was not right, rushing downstairs and finding Joy completely lifeless.
He removed the ventilator from her trachea and manually bagged her for almost a minute until she started breathing again. The nurse first claimed the interruption lasted only a few seconds. When asked why the ventilator had been switched off, the nurse reportedly said she did not know and apologised.
Joy spent nine days at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
Parents Describe Deterioration and Seek Answers
The family noticed significant decline afterwards. Mayo said Joy's limbs, especially her right leg, moved much less, her general health declined and she no longer smiled, while requiring more support. Bisi, a former deputy mayor, said her daughter's smile could light up any room, but what occurred was completely unacceptable. They said they felt failed by the system.
Through Hudgell Solicitors they pursued a civil claim. Optima admitted breaching its duty of care and that the switch-off was an accident, but denied it caused injury or contributed to the death, and settled out of court.
Police initially charged the nurse and a trial was listed, but the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the prosecution in December 2025. The family's request for an inquest was reportedly rejected by coroner Andre Rebello citing elapsed time and the cremation.
One social media user commented 'But the nurse that did this accidentally is still working under supervision she shouldn't be working at all! That poor family'. Solicitor Maria Repanos said the parents remain devastated with no explanation of the switch-off.
NMC Investigation Continues as Parents Push for Accountability
The NMC confirmed its investigation is under way and has imposed precautionary restrictions limiting the nurse to non-patient-facing roles. A spokesperson offered condolences and updates for the family. Optima maintained there is no medical indication the incident contributed to the death, linking it to Joy's underlying conditions.
The parents hope the regulatory process will supply the answers and safeguards sought since February 2022. The case tests accountability in specialist home care for complex needs once other routes close. Parents continue to seek full transparency from the regulator.