A chilling warning from a Nottingham attack survivor: will history repeat itself? Wayne Birkett, a survivor of the tragic 2023 Nottingham attacks, has bravely spoken out, fearing that the region's mental health services are not learning from past mistakes. Birkett's concerns are directed at the Nottinghamshire healthcare NHS foundation trust, which was responsible for the care of Valdo Calocane, the attacker. But here's where it gets controversial: despite a damning report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) revealing serious failures in Calocane's mental health treatment, Birkett believes not enough has changed.
The CQC report, published in 2024, identified a series of errors and misjudgments in Calocane's care, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Calocane's violent behavior while hospitalized on four occasions between 2020 and 2022 was a red flag that went unaddressed. He was discharged in September 2022 due to a lack of engagement, just nine months before the fatal attacks.
Birkett, now 62, was one of Calocane's victims, suffering severe injuries that left him in a coma. He, along with other survivors, Sharon Miller and Marcin Gawronski, are living proof of the system's shortcomings. Birkett's powerful statement, 'It already has happened again... Wait for another Nottingham attack I suppose,' highlights the urgency of the situation.
The solicitor representing Birkett and Miller, Greg Almond, shares their concerns. He believes the repeated failures of local services have created an unsafe environment for the public. The CQC's inspections in 2024 and 2025 further emphasize this, with multiple mental health services requiring improvement and action needed for breaches of regulations.
As Birkett and Miller prepare to meet with the health secretary, Wes Streeting, on February 5th, they demand serious intervention. Almond argues that the situation calls for drastic measures to ensure public safety in Nottingham. But will these measures be enough? That's the question on everyone's minds.
Birkett's personal journey to recovery is a testament to the attack's devastating impact. He must relearn basic skills and grapple with memory loss, a constant reminder of that fateful day. His determination to participate in the public inquiry, despite his struggles, is admirable.
The inquiry promises to delve into the events leading up to the attacks and explore ways to prevent future tragedies. Birkett's hope for the truth to be revealed is shared by many. However, the trust's response, while acknowledging the need for improvement, may not satisfy those seeking more immediate changes.
The government, through its spokesperson, expresses sympathy and commitment to preventing similar incidents. But is it enough to reform laws and review action plans? The public's curiosity and concern linger: will these actions truly prevent another Nottingham-like tragedy, or is there more to be done?
Comment below: Do you think the government and healthcare authorities are doing enough to prevent similar attacks? What changes would you like to see implemented to ensure public safety?
