Suicide when man is allowed to leave mental health unit
Bret was admitted into hospital after attempting to end his life and diagnosed with Acute Stress Reaction. While in hospital staff had noted his low mood and his claims that he would attempt to end his life again if left alone.
Various family members rang the hospital with their concerns about Bret’s state of mind and so he was admitted as a voluntary patient. Bret was seen by a doctor who placed him on a regime of 15-minute observations and prescribed drugs for his agitation and anxiety.
The next morning Bret was involved in an altercation with another patient and locked himself in a toilet, refusing to come out. When Bret finally emerged he stated he wanted to leave and stay at a friends. After speaking to the doctor it was agreed that a taxi could be called for Bret to go to his friends, however Bret never arrived there.
Unfortunately Bret was found hanging at his home where he had lived with his family.
Bret’s family pursued a claim against the local NHS Trust and, with the assistance of clinical negligence solicitor Luke Daniels, were awarded £90,000.