Dean Wilson LLP secure rare ruling of ‘neglect’ against Surrey & Borders NHS Partnership Trust in Inquest

Ms Caroline Topping, HM Assistant Coroner for Surrey, has made a ruling of ‘neglect’ in an inquest which concluded on 8 February 2022.

Dean Wilson LLP acted for the family of Ms R who took her own life on 19 March 2021, aged 33. Ms R was under the care of the community mental health team of Surrey & Borders NHS Partnership Trust, having previously tried to take her own life in 2020. The family had concerns about the medical treatment that Ms R received in the weeks prior to her death, most notably regarding concerns raised by Ms R’s family social worker which did not seem to have been taken seriously.

During a two-day inquest the coroner heard from witnesses from the family, mental health team, social services, and an expert witness, as to how concerns had been raised about Ms R’s deteriorating mental state on 3 occasions in the weeks prior to her death. The coroner found that no action had been taken as a result of these concerns being raised, and gave a conclusion of suicide contributed to by neglect.

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Dean Wilson LLP acted for the family under a no win no fee style agreement. The team can be contacted on 01273 249200 or by visiting our contact us page.