Recurring concern

Unreliable coordination and escalation between care providers and mental health services

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First reported 25 Apr 2017•Latest report 22 Dec 2025

Definition

What this concern includes

Includes failures in formal arrangements between care providers and mental-health services for contact, referral, information sharing, crisis-support coordination, responsibility allocation and escalation to senior or specialist mental-health teams.

Not included

  • Excludes failures confined to a single mental-health service’s internal assessment, treatment, staffing or appointment process.
  • Excludes generic communication or coordination deficiencies without a bounded care-provider and mental-health-service interface.
  • Excludes failures occurring after the relevant mental-health service has been reliably contacted and accepted responsibility, unless the cross-provider coordination process itself remains deficient.
  • Excludes ordinary differences in service remit or availability where no unsafe failure of contact, referral, information sharing or escalation is identified.
Reports
17

Distinct published reports

Individual concerns
22

A report can raise multiple concerns

Date range
2017–2025

First to latest report issue date

Stated actions
24

Described in published responses

Reports over time

Reports over time

Reports about this concern issued each year.

* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.

Most frequent recipients

Most frequent recipients

Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.

NHS England5
Department of Health and Social Care4
NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board2
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust2
Betsi Cadwaladr University LHB1
Care Quality Commission1
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust1
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust1
Department for Education1
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust1
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust1
East London NHS Foundation Trust1
Elysium Healthcare Limited1
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust1
Health and Safety Executive1

Concerns and responses across reports

Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

  1. Nottinghamshire

    AI-generated summary

    Rebecca Begg · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Rebecca Begg died at Heathcotes, Moorgreen, in the early hours of 15 September 2020 after a self-harm incident, and was found unresponsive despite resuscitation. The report identified concerns about monitoring compliance with care plans, the lack of robust incident reviews, untested observation-level support plans, staff involvement in care planning, and communication and escalation arrangements with the NHS trust.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of a formalised contact and escalation system with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

    Wider context from the report

    “Lack of a system for formalised contact with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHCT), including if Heathcotes are unhappy about the response from the Mental Health teams, a means of escalation to NHCT senior team ”

    Source location

    Rebecca Begg · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Heathcotes cannot implement a formal contact and escalation system with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust because it lacks power and control.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Whilst we recognise the importance of this issue, it is beyond the power and control of Heathcotes to implement a system with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust as they deal with numerous providers. Notwithstanding this, the changes we have made to our pre-admission process are designed to ensure that all appropriate documentation and knowledge is acquired before a resident moves into Moorgreen and will also ensure that the resident is registered with the appropriate professional bodies, such as the Community Mental Health Team before they move in should further assistance be required.”

    Source location

    2021-0416-Response-from-Heathcotes-Group_Published
    Page 3 · response
    Published 16 December 2021

    Open published response
  2. Lincolnshire

    AI-generated summary

    Toby Peter Edward Nieland · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Toby Peter Edward Nieland had a complex Dual Diagnosis, chronic pancreatitis with persistent pain, opiate addiction, and a history of self-harm and suicide attempts. After discharge from inpatient care in April 2018, he was found collapsed and unresponsive on 17 May 2018 after self-suspending himself by a belt in his room. The report identified concerns about failures to communicate family warnings, inadequate coordination and care planning, insufficient monitoring and assertive outreach, and gaps in services for people with Dual Diagnosis.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of interface between senior or experienced providers for complex cases

    Wider context from the report

    “9. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guideline Scope document "Severe mental illness and substance misuse (dual diagnosis): community health and social care services stipulates that there should be a Dual Diagnosis protocol setting out specifically the roles of the mental health provider and the drug and alcohol service provider (no such protocol being in place at the material time) and that whilst it is apparent that some thought has been deployed to re-install a bridge between mental health provision and drug and alcohol services this does not address the needs of a patient suffering from a complex Dual Diagnosis in Lincolnshire due to: a. The lack of interface between senior or experienced care providers to deal with multi-faceted or nuanced cases; b. The absence of specialist Dual Diagnosis workers to be deployed in complex cases; c. The absence of adequate and robust guidance and training, in particular for mental health practitioners to be aware of substance misuse issues and a patient suffering from Dual Diagnosis that impact on appropriate pathways of treatment and care; ”

    Source location

    Toby Peter Edward Nieland · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 5 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Attend Dual Diagnosis interface meetings and contribute to community release plans with mental-health and wider partner services.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• We have enhanced our reciprocal training to LPFT and regularly attend interface meetings for Dual Diagnosis patients and ensure we have input into community release plans. Additionally, we provide opportunities for staff from LPFT, the Police, Probation and Children's Services as well as housing providers. to spend time within our teams to further their experience of substance misuse interventions. We have commenced delivery of group work interventions within the Mental Health units in Lincoln (Discovery House and PHC) for those with a dual diagnosis.”

    Source location

    2020-0164-Response-from-We-Are-With-You-charity_Redacted.pdf
    Page 2 · response
    Published 26 October 2020

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Review and revise the joint working protocol and implement a more robust referral pathway across mental health and substance misuse services.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “i. A joint working protocol is in place but has not been widely implemented across all services. The CCG, LPFT, We Are With You and Public Health should work together to review this protocol and implement a more robust”

    Source location

    2020-0164-Response-from-Lincolnshire-County-Council_Redacted.pdf
    Page 2 · response
    Published 26 October 2020

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Implement robust communication, information-sharing and aligned clinical pathways with We Are With You.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Trust and ‘We Are With You’ (as Addaction is now called) will work together to ensure the implementation of robust communication systems; agree appropriate information sharing arrangements and ensure alignment of clinical pathways and protocols, with the aim to make collaborative working between the two organisations standard practice. The Trust confirms this is part of its work plan over the next six months, led by the Clinical Director for the Community Services Division working with the Quality lead for the Division.”

    Source location

    2020-0164-Response-from-Lincolnshire-Partnership-NHS-Foundation-Trust_Redacted.pdf
    Page 4 · response
    Published 26 October 2020

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Strengthen dual-diagnosis policies and protocols to provide an enhanced Care Programme Approach with joint substance-misuse working.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Learning from the death of Mr Nieland, the Trust will strengthen the policy in accordance with the guidance issued by the Department of Health, to ensure where patients identify as having a dual diagnosis, they are provided with an enhanced Care”

    Source location

    2020-0164-Response-from-Lincolnshire-Partnership-NHS-Foundation-Trust_Redacted.pdf
    Page 4 · response
    Published 26 October 2020

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Review internal policies and protocols and embed care pathways with We Are With You, including discussion with commissioners about required investment.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “We have summarised below the actions the Trust will take to learn from Mr Nieland’s death and enhance services for patients with a complex dual diagnosis presentation: To review internal policies and protocols as well as work together with “We Are With You” to embed care pathways between the two organisations to address gaps in services. (Leads: Clinical Director for Community Division and Quality Lead for the Community Division)”

    Source location

    2020-0164-Response-from-Lincolnshire-Partnership-NHS-Foundation-Trust_Redacted.pdf
    Page 7 · response
    Published 26 October 2020

    Open published response
  3. Manchester North

    AI-generated summary

    Mr Gary Leyland · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Mr Gary Leyland was found deceased in his supported accommodation on 13 November 2019 after taking excessive prescribed medication, with the inquest conclusion recording suicide and morphine toxicity. Concerns included failures to contact medical or mental health services after suicidal thoughts were disclosed, poor documentation and handover information, the use of security staff for welfare checks without clear evidence of training, and the absence of an updated risk assessment.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to contact relevant medical or mental health services about identified concerns

    Wider context from the report

    “1. Due to the fact Mr Leyland was residing in supported accommodation the Probation Officer reported her concerns to the Spring Street. However no attempt was made to contact any medical practitioner ie GP or mental health services. It was unclear at the conclusion of the Inquest whether there is a policy within the Probation for staff vindicating to whom concerns should be raised for example if Mr Leyland had been residing in his own home and where the risk is not believed to be imminent although clearly present. ”

    Source location

    Mr Gary Leyland · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report
  4. Manchester South

    AI-generated summary

    Hannah Dolly Kaur Bharaj · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Hannah Dolly Kaur Bharaj had anorexia, depression and fluctuating suicidal ideation, and died at Salford Royal Hospital on 13 July 2018 from injuries sustained after jumping from a first-floor café. Concerns included inadequate communication and discharge planning, unsuitable placement and care coordination, incomplete sharing of clinical information, and the safety of the café balustrade and adjacent table.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to provide care coordination after placement with a private provider

    Wider context from the report

    “4. Communication with private providers by NHS trusts once mental health trusts have placed individuals in private settings. During the time that Hannah was placed at the Priory the mental health trust who placed her did not have any discussion with Hannah, her family or the Priory regarding the placement. A care coordinator had been allocated by the Trust once requested by the Priory but no care coordination had taken place; ”

    Source location

    Hannah Dolly Kaur Bharaj · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report
  5. Inner West London

    AI-generated summary

    Peter George Garvin · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Peter George Garvin, who was under the care of a Community Mental Health Team while his medication was prescribed by his GP, entered the Regent’s Canal on 31 January 2018 with the intention of taking his own life. The report identifies concerns about communication between the CMHT and GP, insufficient local psychiatric beds, discharge from NHS care after seeking private psychiatric treatment, and the lack of an early carer’s assessment.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of joint-working arrangements between the NHS and private psychiatric consultants

    Wider context from the report

    “3. That if patients seek private psychiatric care they should not be discharged by the NHS. Instead a memorandum of understanding should be agreed between the NHS and Private psychiatric consultants to allow joint working and facilitate patient care. This should surely be possible along the lines of such agreements with GPs. ”

    Source location

    Peter George Garvin · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Implement a staff protocol for coordinating NHS care with private psychiatric treatment and explaining the process to patients.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Because of the Trust’s location and geography we can potentially be working with any number of private psychiatrists which would make it impossible to have a standard MOU agreed by all of them in advance. As an alternative, we have drawn up a protocol for our own staff, which sets out (a) how they should work with colleagues working in any private sector organisation and (b) how they should explain the process to their patients. This draws heavily on national guidance.”

    Source location

    2019-0069-Response-by-CNWL-NHS-Trust
    Page 1 · response
    Published 2 June 2019

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    A standard MOU with all private psychiatrists cannot be agreed because the Trust may work with numerous providers across its geography.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Because of the Trust’s location and geography we can potentially be working with any number of private psychiatrists which would make it impossible to have a standard MOU agreed by all of them in advance. As an alternative, we have drawn up a protocol for our own staff, which sets out (a) how they should work with colleagues working in any private sector organisation and (b) how they should explain the process to their patients. This draws heavily on national guidance.”

    Source location

    2019-0069-Response-by-CNWL-NHS-Trust
    Page 1 · response
    Published 2 June 2019

    Open published response
  6. Black Country

    AI-generated summary

    Melvin James and Anne-Marie James · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Melvin James experienced psychotic symptoms, was admitted to hospital, and was discharged without planned psychiatric follow-up. On 8 March 2017, he fatally stabbed his sister, Anne-Marie James, injured his mother, and sustained fatal stab wounds himself. The principal concerns were missed communication about his continuing delusions, inadequate information-sharing with family, and the absence of formal referral or aftercare following discharge.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to make formal post-discharge referral or contact with community mental health services and general practitioner

    Wider context from the report

    “3. Evidence also emerged during the inquest that after discharge, there was no formal referral or contact made with Mental Health services or his General Practitioner based in the Wolverhampton area. There was no evidence of any aftercare being delivered after discharge back into the community. ”

    Source location

    Melvin James and Anne-Marie James · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report
  7. Inner North London

    AI-generated summary

    Jamie Neil Elliott · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Jamie Neil Elliott died by hanging at his home on 18 November 2016, with an inquest conclusion of suicide. Before his death, he had expressed clear, detailed and escalating suicidal ideation and had declined offered voluntary inpatient admission. Concerns included failures to contact his private therapist and to provide a face-to-face psychiatric assessment after his condition deteriorated.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to verify treatment information with external mental health service providers

    Wider context from the report

    “1. Mental health clinicians from the Trust should be required to contact external providers of mental health services, if possible, when a patient is receiving treatment elsewhere, particularly when consideration is being given to compulsorily detain that individual. They should not simply take the patient’s account at face value. ”

    Source location

    Jamie Neil Elliott · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Distribute guidance to City and Hackney clinical staff on contacting external mental health providers.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In relation to contact with external providers I can confirm that a memo has been distributed to all clinical staff in City and Hackney highlighting the issue.”

    Source location

    2017-0135-Response-by-East-London-NHS-Trust
    Page 1 · response
    Published 10 July 2017

    Open published response
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Data last updated 7 September 2026