A “series of errors, omissions and misjudgments” by Mental Health Services

A review published by Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) on Tuesday found “a series of errors, omissions and misjudgments” by mental health services, following attacks in Nottingham last year which unfortunately saw three individuals lose their lives and three more seriously injured.

“Key factors” in the individual’s case had been missed or omitted, including his persistent psychosis symptoms, violence levels towards other people and his refusal to take medication. The review from CQC highlighted that without action from medical professionals, the issues identified would continue to pose a risk to public safety. It may have been the case, had the issues been identified, that the tragic outcome may have been avoided.

The mother of one of the victims said that the failings above highlighted problems across the NHS.

The review of CQC went on to issue five recommendations to the Trust including ensuring families of patients were involved with care as well as putting into practice robust discharge policies.

The Government have responded to the report from the CQC by issuing guidance to NHS trust which include instructions not to discharge patients who did not attend their appointments and ensuring policies are in place to treat patients.

Founder of mental health charity SANE, told BBC that unfortunately the same trends are recurring across the country, although not always reported on.  Her comments went on to describe the amount of adult psychiatric beds since 2000 and when there is a risk posed by a patient, there is a tendency to release back into community as there isn’t “sufficient risk”.

Mental Health

NHS Resolution confirmed that in the year 2022 to 2023, there were notified of 391 new claims concerning mental health or psychiatry treatment. Such claims making up 2% of all claims and although they make up a relatively small proportion, they are still of the utmost importance to the patients at the heart of these claims and their loved ones.

Our clinical negligence team have experience in cases involving mental health, including cases concerning failure to appreciate the risk of harm to the individual as well as to others.

If you or a loved one have concerns in relation to medical treatment, please contact our Clinical Negligence Department on 01482 323697, who have the skills, knowledge and experience to assist.