Case Study: Use the Internet to research Harold Shipman (aka Dr. Death), the English doctor who is estimated to have killed over 236 of his patients.In a narrative format, discuss the key facts and critical issues presented in the case. In a narrative format, discuss the key facts and critical issues presented in the case.

Answer:

Harold Shipman was a general practitioner in England. He is being considered as the most prolific serial killer of history. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a special remark that he will never be released. He murdered 215 patients under his care.

He killed these people during the time period of 1975 to 1998. His mother had died due to lung cancer. He had watched his mother getting relief from taking morphine injections. He used to kill his patients through lethal dosage of Diamorphine.

He used to hide his inhuman act through signing death certificates with depiction of deaths of his patients as natural. He hanged himself in his cell during the period of his imprisonment in year 2004. He used to gain confidence of his patients before imparting them punishment of death.

There are several critical issues regarding this case. First one is lack of awareness which inspired him to perform such devil act and that too for many years. No one noticed the connections between these deaths and Harold.

None checked the authenticity of death certificates signed by doctor. Autopsy report could have resolve the matter. It could have saved many lives. So, a clear administrative negligence can also be observed in this case.