Coroner to demand answers from NHS following suicide (From Southend Standard)

Coroner to demand answers from NHS following suicide

4:21pm Tuesday 19th February 2013 in Echo News

A CORONER is set to demand answers from an NHS body in the aftermath of a suicide inquest.

Coroner Jacqueline Devonish recorded a suicide verdict of death for Benajmin Sutton, 20, of Perry Street, Billericay, at a hearing earlier today at the Tickfield Centre in Southend.

But the inquest heard that mistakes took place at South Essex Parternship Foundation Trust in the months leading to his death.

He was assigned a nurse from the Trust's mental health team, but when they went on holiday, he was never assigned a replacement.

As a result, Ms Devonish said she will write a letter under Rule 43 of the Coroner's Rules, which will ask the Trust to respond within 56 days.

The response must give answers to the circumstances brought up in the inquest, and reveal action which has been or is proposed will be taken.

Mr Sutton's family said they were 'let down' in the services during the inquest.