Investigation and inquest
On 15 November 2016, I commenced an investigation into the death of BENJAMIN THOMAS GOODRUM, AGED 35. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 5 DECEMBER 2017. The conclusion of the inquest was medical cause of death: Unascertained and Conclusion: Open
Circumstances of the death
Mr Goodrum was diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Asperger’s syndrome. He lived in the community and received support from his parents, Norfolk County Council, MIND, and NSFT. He was under the Long Treatment Team (NSFT) and was due to receive a depot injection once per month. There were difficulties engaging with Mr Goodrum by the organisations and by his family. Mr Goodrum was last seen by support workers on 24 May 2017 and by his father 4 weeks prior to his death. His last telephone call was recorded as being on the 16 June 2017. Mr Goodrum was found in his flat clearly deceased on 27 June 2016.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) Although there was evidence of good communication between the various organisations involved with Mr Goodrum and attempts were ongoing to retain contact with him, there was no person taking overall responsibility for Mr Goodrum.
(2) Mr Goodrum had originally been allocated a Care Co-Ordinator but on this person leaving, no new Care Co-Ordinator was appointed.
(3) The Serious Incident Investigation recommended all service users receiving active treatment should be allocated a Lead Care Professional or a Care Co-Ordinator and this action was to be completed by 30/04/2017. At the time of the inquest this action had not been put in place and the Action Plan was regarded as complete.
(4) Evidence was heard that alternative measures have been taken within the various teams to ameliorate the lack of sufficient Care Co-Ordinators for service users, for instance using a team-based approach, but that such measures are not as effective as services having a specific individual appointed as a Care Co-Ordinator.