Investigation and inquest
On 4 February 2022 an investigation was commenced into the death of Samuel Robert Pearson, aged 29. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 12 October 2022. The narrative conclusion of the inquest was:
A van crashed into Samuel’s property on 20 June 2021. The accident caused a traumatic deterioration in his mental health. He was moved to accommodation that increased his anxiety, and no services were provided to mitigate that. On 6 July 2021, He took an overdose ████████ and alcohol to help him sleep and he accidentally died as a result.
Circumstances of the death
Mr Pearson had complex mental and physical needs. He moved into his own accommodation in March 2021 following a period of good partnership working between relevant organisations. In June 2021, however, a van crashed into his home necessitating an emergency move to alternative accommodation. Mr Pearson struggled with the trauma of the accident, contributed to by the unsuitability of his temporary accommodation (a budget hotel).
Coroner’s concerns
(1) Whilst there was good multi-agency working before Mr Pearson moved into his own accommodation, that was lacking when it became necessary to move him on an emergency basis despite the circumstances increasing his anxiety and vulnerability. Partnership working and sharing of information between the authorities may help mitigate risk in future cases of emergency decants.
(2) In respect of Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, a referral was made by Mr Pearson’s GP to the ADAPT service but at the time there was a 2-3 backlog in screening referrals and the GP was not made aware of the capacity issues. A robust contingency plan would ensure that referrers are informed when services are not able to meet usual service expectations.
I heard evidence of openness to remedy these matters, which is welcome, but plans were at a very early stage by the date of the inquest.