Mrs A’s husband, Mr B, was serving a prison sentence. Mr B had a history of mental health problems and in 2011, he was diagnosed with Cluster Type B Personality Disorder. Mr B also had a history of suicide attempts.
Throughout 2012 and 2013, whilst in prison, there were increased incidents of Mr B self-harming.
On 22 March 2013, Mr B was found in his cell suspended by a ligature made out of bedding sheets. First aid was given and he was transferred to hospital. His condition continued to deteriorate and on 25 March, Mr B died in hospital.
At the time of his discovery with the ligature around his neck, Mr B was on hourly checks. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman investigated the incident and found, amongst other things, the following:
- Mr B’s mood deteriorated in February 2013 and he reported delusions and paranoia
- The psychiatrist failed to consider that Mr B had a psychotic illness and recommended therapies instead of medication
- Mr B swallowed batteries and made ligatures from torn bed sheets on three separate occasions before his death
- On 22 March 2013, at his last case review, it was concluded that the risk of suicide and self-harm had increased but there was no increase in observations
- Allegations of bullying and threats by other prisoners were never properly investigated
- Referrals to the mental health in-reach team and a psychiatrist should have been made sooner
- Suicide and self-harm prevention procedures were not always well co-ordinated and there was a lack of consistent case management
A two-week Article 2 Human Rights Inquest took place in October 2014. The jury returned a critical verdict which concluded that there were failures in the psychiatric care provided at the prison by the Defendant Trust (South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust). During the course of the inquest, solicitors on behalf of the Defendant Trust admitted liability in relation to Mr B’s death
The Trust accepted that they should have done more to protect Mr B including referring him to a psychiatrist sooner. Following negotiations, a settlement was reached for a five-figure sum.
Mrs A was represented by Matthew Olner, a Partner from our Medical Negligence team. If you would like more information or advice on pursuing a claim for compensation, please contact a member of our team on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form.
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