Inadequate Hospital Supervisor And Assessment Leads To Tragic Suicide
Bernie brought an action against North East London Mental Health NHS Trust on behalf of the estate of her deceased husband, Tom and also on behalf of their children.
Tom tragically committed suicide on 17th December 2004, two days before his 30th birthday.
Tom was suffering from a manic depressive illness and was an inpatient at the Mascalls Park Hospital. He had been treated in various hospitals and in the community over a number of years.
Tom had his own business and previously worked for a number of years.
In January 2004 Tom was admitted to the hospital and was diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder – manic episode.
His condition steadily deteriorated until in August 2004 he was admitted into a high secure hospital. He was noted to be preoccupied with suicidal ideation and remained in hospital for almost a month.
By October 2004 there was a further deterioration in Tom’s condition and Bernie called the social worker to find out if anything could be done to assist.
Tom had gone to work, but starting having negative thoughts and overwhelming urges to kill himself. He could hear voices telling him to crash his car. When he got out of the car he heard the nearby railway and had an overwhelming urge to throw himself under a train. These thoughts terrified Tom who felt that he had no control over them and found them overpowering. Tom was afraid to be alone in case he could not stop himself.
Tom felt that hospital admission would be helpful and he was willing to be admitted on a voluntary basis. He went into hospital in October 2004. Tom was having suicidal thoughts and he was being monitored. Tom felt that there were times when he could resist the thoughts and throughout the month he was allowed occasional overnight stays at home.
This pattern continued into November. Tom had some days which were better than others but he still had strong suicidal urges.
On 30th November whilst on leave, Tom phoned the ward saying that he felt suicidal and was having the same thoughts as in the past. The thoughts had been coming on for a few days and were getting stronger, leaving him feeling very anxious. Tom was advised to return to the ward.
Tom was allowed on leave on various days but did not feel able to cope outside the hospital.
On 16th December Tom was back in the hospital. He was concerned that the hospital would discharge him from their care and then he would not be able to cope. Tom was seen by various doctors and nurses and care co-ordinators.
The following day Tom asked the staff whether he could go to the shop. They allowed him to go out without conducting the appropriate risk assessment.
Sadly Tom committed suicide shortly after leaving the hospital.
The Trust failed to put in place an adequate care plan for Tom which identified his presenting problems and identified interventions designed to alleviate his specific needs. They failed to deliver adequate care to Tom and review and assess him.
Their failings ultimately led to his death.
Bernie was awarded a total sum of £130,000.00 of which a proportion has been retained for their two children.