Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Mark Hancock
Ref: 2014-0484
Date: 10 Nov 2014
Coroner: Joanne Kearsley
Area: Manchester (South)
Responses identified: 0 / 1
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The coroner identified poor record-keeping, a lack of documented risk assessment, and an inappropriate environment for sensitive discussions with the deceased. There was also no procedure for managing situations where a patient requires admission but no bed is available.
Date
10 Nov 2014
56-day deadline
5 Jan 2015
Responses identified
0 of 1
Coroner's concerns
The coroner identified poor record-keeping, a lack of documented risk assessment, and an inappropriate environment for sensitive discussions with the deceased. There was also no procedure for managing situations where a patient requires admission but no bed is available.
View full coroner's concerns
The quality of the records kept in relation to the deceased was poor and in some circumstances non-existent, No records were kept of the Multi-Disciplinary Team Meetings. The Consultant notes were brief and are not kept on the Care Notes system: Such a diverse practice means that there is no overall record of a patient s0 that all those who have involvement with a patient do not have all relevant; pertinent information available to them: No documented risk assessment was completed in relation to the risk the deceased posed to himself: No further assessment of the deceased was undertaken by the Consultant after concerns had been escalated following his departure from the group therapy The consultant's out-patient appointment with the deceased had been booked to take place in the lunchtime when he was already in a full therapy session. When concerns were raised in relation to the deceased the further discussions took place in the reception area, an inappropriate environment in which to speak to a patient and obtain important information. Given there was no formal risk assessment there was no consideration as to whether the risk management plan was appropriate_ There was no procedure or policy in place for staff as to what they should do if a patient requires admission but a bed is not available.
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On 13th February 2014 commenced an investigation into the death of Mark Hancock dob 25.09.1971. The investigation concluded on the 27t October and the conclusion was one that the deceased had taken his own life_ The medical cause f death was recorded as Ia) Multiple Incised Wounds
Circumstances of the death
heard evidence that the deceased had a history of mental health difficulties. His condition had deteriorated towards the end of 2013, He was receiving treatment at the Priory Hospital and had a diagnosis of severe clinical depression. Following his diagnosis he was treated with medication and therapy. On the 8"h February the deceased had superficially cut his wrists. This had not required any medical intervention: On the 11th February 2014 he was attending the therapy group and at the lunch time had an appointment with his Consultant. During the course of the morning it had been noted by his therapist that the deceased was presenting differently. He was withdrawn not participating: He was then seen by his Consultant who concluded that the deceased required hospital admission. There were no beds available due to an incident on the ward: A decision was taken that the deceased could return home to his parents' house and would be admitted the following On his return to the afternoon therapy session there was increased concern by the therapist who escalated his concerns about the deceased There was then a further discussion with his consultant but the plan remained the same_ The deceased returned home to his parents' house where he appeared settled. In the early hours of the 12th February 2014 he was found by his parents to have smashed a glass and inflicted a number of serious wounds to himself particularly to his throat and thigh.
Action should be taken
In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe you have the power to take such action:
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Report details
- Reference
- 2014-0484
- Date of report
- 10 November 2014
- Coroner
- Joanne Kearsley
- Coroner area
- Manchester (South)
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 1
1 response not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 5 Jan 2015.
Sent to
- Priory Group