Investigation and inquest
On 5 October 2018 I commenced an investigation into the death of Mylon Sheppard 49 years old. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 17 January 2019. The conclusion of the inquest was suicide.
Circumstances of the death
Mr Sheppard hanged himself at his home and was found on 3 October 2018. He had significant contact with the Trust from 5 June 2018
Coroner’s concerns
(1) Failure of any effective oversight of decisions made by duty workers.
(2) Failure to effectively manage waiting lists.
(3) Failure to have a clear process at the Day Hospital in respect of non attendance of patients.
(4) Failure to ensure that family members are included in care planning (where the patient is happy for that to happen).
(5) Failure to have a system in place that clearly identified GP boundaries and geographical boundaries in respect of local mental health services to minimise the risk of incorrect referrals to the wrong teams..