Investigation and inquest
On 3rd of January 2015 I commenced an investigation into the death of Nihad Ousta. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 25th October 2016 with a narrative conclusion returned by the jury.
Circumstances of the death
Nihad Ousta was admitted to Coniston Ward, West London Mental Health Trust, under s2 Mental Health Act 1983. He suffered visible head trauma on 2 separate occasions before deteriorating and being transferred to Ealing General Hospital for further treatment. Whilst there he acutely deteriorated necessitating transfer to Charing Cross Hospital for a neurosurgical procedure. He was returned to Ealing General post procedure, later transferred to a nursing home for further management and then several months later admitted into St George’s Hospital where he passed away.
Coroner’s concerns
There was not and currently is not a protocol or other written guidance or policy for the management of head injury (to include frequency and range of general and neuro observations)