Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Simon Haines

Ref: 2014-0236 Date: 22 May 2014 Coroner: David Osborne Area: Norfolk Responses identified: 0 / 1 View PDF

There was no clear protocol for signposting individuals struggling to accept decisions or outcomes, and little consideration was given to re-signposting to other support agencies.

Date 22 May 2014

56-day deadline 17 Jul 2014

Responses identified 0 of 1

Community health care and emergency services related deaths

Coroner's concerns

AI summary

There was no clear protocol for signposting individuals struggling to accept decisions or outcomes, and little consideration was given to re-signposting to other support agencies.

View full coroner's concerns

_ On the evidence receivved, as outlined above, it was unclear whether there was any protocol or guidelines for signposting someone in Simon Haines' position who might be having difficulty accepting a decision or outcome, and little or no consideration was given to re-signposting_ am concerned therefore that; without a review of the current system, whilst it can not be whether the outcome for Simon would have been different; there is a continuing risk that others might not be signposted t0 other agencies and services for heip and support in similar circumstances, and that if they were this would or might prevent future incidents similar to Simon Haines'

Report sections

Investigation and inquest

On 22 NOVEMBER 2013 an investigation was commenced into the death of SIMON TONY HAINES, 43YRS, The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 16 MAY 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was that Simon Haines killed himself the medical cause of death being 1a Diphenhydramine Toxicity:

Circumstances of the death

On 21 November 2013 Simon Haines was found unresponsive in his parked vehicle by a member of the pubiic He was sadly deciared deceased at the scene_ Police were satisfied there were no suspicious circumstances or third party involvement: Evidence was heard regarding Simon Haines contact with Social Services in connection with a planned reuniting with his children. heard from both the support worker to Simon Haines and the Social Worker assigned to the children: Although it had been planned for the children to return to live with their father, Simon Haines, was told in evidence that ultimately both children stated they did not feel ready for this_ Therefore the decision was taken for the children to remain in foster care. It was clear that this was devastating outcome for Simon; and the Social Worker accepted this in her evidence to me. was told by the support worker that Simon had indicated he did not want any further support, The Social Worker initially indicated that Simon was not at the time of the decision in May 2013 signposted to support (e.g: well service andlor GP) if he felt he was struggling: On further questioning she indicated that he had been, but appeared not to wish to follow this up. The content of emails sent by Simon to the Social Worker in August 2013, which the Social Worker stated she did not see until October due to firstly a month's leave and then pressure of work, showed that Simon was still having difficulty with what had happened: He was not further signposted as it was considered that this had already been done in and there was no need. used being May

Action should be taken

In my opinion action shouid be taken to prevent future deaths and believe you andlor your department have the power to take such action.

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Shared signals

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Report details

Reference: 2014-0236
Date of report: 22 May 2014
Coroner: David Osborne
Coroner area: Norfolk

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: 17 Jul 2014.

Sent to

Norfolk County Council

Source links

Judiciary.uk page → Report PDF →

Data: judiciary.uk under OGL.