Ipswich Hospital reviews mental health procedures after man dies on ward having told staff he had recently considered suicide
It is not yet clear what the money means for services on the ground, such as those at Ipswich Hospital, pictured. Picture: PHIL MORELY - Credit: Archant
Ipswich Hospital has reviewed its mental health procedures after a 66-year-old man died on a ward having told staff he had considered suicide in the weeks leading up to his death.
The Coroners Court at Beacon House, White House Road, Ipswich - Credit: Archant
John Scott, of Chapel Road, Stoke Ash, was found in a toilet cubicle on Sproughton Ward on March 10, 2016, and was rushed to intensive care.
A decision was made by his family to turn off his life support five days later.
Today, an inquest heard Mr Scott had visited the hospital’s A&E department on March 3 complaining of confusion and hallucinations.
He believed he was being followed, had severe financial troubles and was verging on bankruptcy although his wife June Scott said this was not true.
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The inquest heard both Mr Scott and his wife had informed staff he had recently talked about suicide.
However, Mr Scott was not referred to the psychiatric team as doctors wanted to rule out that his condition was due to an infection.
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In conclusion, coroner Nigel Parsley said Mr Scott had died as a result of medical complications due to compression to his neck.
He said: “At the time John had a significant history of both delusion and hallucinations and had talked about previous suicide attempts.
“A lack of communication and understanding of procedure resulted in a missed opportunity for an earlier psychiatric referral being made in John’s case.”
Mr Parsley will be writing to the Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust and Ipswich and East Suffolk CCG with his recommendations.
Since Mr Scott’s death, the hospital has taken steps to ensure there is better psychiatric cover provided on all wards, employing three more staff members and establishing a new training schemes for nursing staff.
A spokeswoman for Ipswich hospital said: “This is a tragic incident and we give our sincere condolences to Mr Scott’s family and friends.
“We have made sure the lessons learned during the careful investigation into what happened have been shared with all staff.”
Mrs Scott said: “John was such a hard working man devoting many years to his business of cycle sales and repairs of which he spent nearly three decades.
“He was a kind and loving man who was only too happy to help anyone in need. We had enjoyed a long and happy marriage together and he will be sorely missed.”
