Investigation and inquest
On 14th November 2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of John Paul Derwent. The investigation concluded on the 24th May 2018 and the conclusion was one of Suicide.
The medical cause of death was 1a) Hanging.
Circumstances of the death
John Paul Derwent was on the waiting list for cognitive behavioural therapy. The target time for being seen was 6 weeks. At the time he was referred, the waiting time was 12 months. He expressed suicidal ideation and was admitted as a voluntary patient to the Arden Ward. He found the environment exacerbated his agitation. He was discharged into the community on 8th November 2017. The Home Treatment Team saw him on 10th and 11th November 2017. On 13th November 2017 he was found suspended from a ligature at his home address, 13 Stephens Road, Stalybridge.
Coroner’s concerns
The Inquest heard that the target time for an appointment for CBT should be 6 weeks. At the time Mr Derwent was referred, the waiting time was 12 months. There was a waiting list review in October 2017 when it was established that 500 people were on the waiting list for CBT. The waiting list time at the date of the Inquest remained 12 months. The Inquest heard that there was insufficient capacity for the number of people referred for CBT which is why the waiting list had become so significant. It was unclear why the list had been allowed to increase to this level. The mechanisms for escalation between the commissioning body and the service provider did not appear to allow for early action to address the issue.