Investigation and inquest
On 1st November 2016 an investigation was commenced into the death of Carol Metcalfe, aged 41. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 6th June 2018. The conclusion of the inquest was a Narrative indicating that she died from chest and abdominal injuries after being struck by a heavy goods vehicle.
Circumstances of the death
The location of the fatal road traffic collision involved in the Inquest was on the A63 Selby Road opposite a low secure psychiatric unit called Waterloo Manor Hospital.
The patients treated there have typically been compulsorily detained (“sectioned”) under the Mental Health Act 1983 due to their complex mental illnesses. Many are prescribed medication which may leave them drowsy.
An integral feature of the rehabilitation of such patients is to undertake escorted (or unescorted) leave from the hospital. It is, therefore, likely that patients subject to medication will be crossing the busy A63 Selby Road dual carriageway, which is subject to a 50 miles per hour speed limit.
The situation described gives rise to a concern that deaths may occur as people such as patients seek to cross the dual carriageway to get to the bus stop.
Coroner’s concerns
The need for measures to be taken to protect pedestrians crossing the A63 dual carriageway in the vicinity of Waterloo Manor Hospital.