Robert Stevenson

On 22/06/22 I opened an inquest into the death of Robert Newton Stevenson who, at the date of his death was aged 63 years old. The inquest was resumed and concluded on 25/5/23. I found that the cause of death to be: ­ 1a. asphyxia (hanging) I arrived at a narrative conclusion:­ Robert Newton Stevenson intended to take his own life when the balance of his mind was disturbed.

Mr Stevenson was a 63 year old gentleman who was a very respected and experienced Consultant Cardiologist and General Physician at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, who resigned his post in May 2022 to enter full retirement. On 6/5/22 he was referred to the urology department for the investigation of possible prostate cancer, when a decision was also made to consult a private Consultant Urologist. In order to relieve his symptoms of prostatitis and to make him ready for an investigative biopsy, he was prescribed Ciprofloxacin on 19/5/22 at a dose of . He had no previous history of depression or mental health problems. Subsequently on the morning of 30/5/22 Mr Stevenson left his home address on his own for his usual walk. He had not previously given any indications to his family for them to be concerned for him. Thereafter at approximately 12.30pm his wife received a Facebook message from Mr Stevenson to indicate that he had left a note under the pillow of his bed. The note was found to be uncharacteristically confused and illogical given his reference to his baseless concerns that he may have developed AIDs after taking a HIV tester kit he had previously bought on line. Concerns were raised for his welfare, and this trigged an intensive police and family search of the surrounding area. Subsequently, Mr Stevenson was found hanging

Upon the arrival of the paramedics, although resuscitative attempts were made, it was confirmed very sadly that he had passed away.