Investigation and inquest
On 12th August 2024 an investigation commenced into the death of Sheridan Tate Pickett, age 27. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 20th January 2025. The conclusion of the inquest was suicide. The medical cause of death was 1(a) multiple injuries consistent with a fall.
Circumstances of the death
On 9th August 2024 Sheridan Pickett caused himself to fall from a height out of a window at ████████ leading to him sustaining fatal injuries. A police investigation has determined there was no third-party involvement in his death.
Coroner’s concerns
1. The inquest heard evidence that Mr Pickett had a history of mental health issues and received an online diagnosis of ADHD from a private service provider (which prescribed Mr Pickett with medication too). Following his diagnosis Mr Pickett was admitted into an NHS hospital having taken an overdose. In their discharge letter the hospital suggested that the ADHD medication should not be recommenced. This information was not provided to the private ADHD provider which continued to prescribe Mr Pickett with ADHD medication.
I am concerned that there are no current guidelines governing communication and information sharing as between private psychiatry providers offering assessment, care and treatment in relation to neurodiversity and NHS services involved with providing care and treatment in parallel.