Odessa Carey

PFD Report Historic (No Identified Response) Ref: 2023-0150
Date of Report 12 May 2023
Coroner Andrew Hetherington
Response Deadline est. 7 July 2023
Coroner's Concerns (AI summary)
Failures include inadequate exploration of risks, no referral to substance misuse services, and an uncoordinated inpatient discharge violating policy. Premature discharge from community treatment lacked engagement and proper care coordination.
View full coroner's concerns
as follows: -
1. Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conference ("MARAC") I heard evidence of issues of assault, violence and intimidation. Further that the consent of the individual reporting the concerns is not always required in order to complete a MARAC referral. Whilst I recognise that the extent of the issues could have been diminished out of fam ilia I ties or for other reasons, I am concerned that that staff did not explore the issues to a greater extent with the deceased, the wider family and other agencies.
2. Assessment of substance misuse The service user had a history of substance misuse in particular cannabis and its impact on mental health was recognised. Whilst I acknowledge issues regarding service user consent and compliance, I am concerned there was no referral to substance misuse services for advice or assessment and treatment whilst an inpatient or in the community.
3. Inpatient discharge 30 May 2018

The discharge was not a coordinated discharge in line with the trust CPA policy. There was no discharge meeting, no involvement with other agencies or family, the service user was still mentally unwell, having delusional beliefs, without supported accommodation, vulnerable, moving to a new locality and without familial support I am concerned there was a lack of opportunity to involve the family or other agencies in the discharge. I am concerned that there was no direct contact or introduction to the service user from the care coordinator whilst an inpatient or before discharge to establish a relationship and trust.
4. Discharge from the Community Treatment Team on 6 Au_gust 2018 There was no pre-discharge meeting in line with trust CPA Policy involving the family, lead professionals, other agencies or a Consultant Psychiatrist for future planning. A more assertive approach to engagement may have been appropriate. I am concerned that following discharge from the Lowry ward to the community and prior to discharge from the community treatment team, the deceased was seen only four times in person by individuals from the mental health team and only once by the care coordinator. I am concerned that more intense, in person engagement was warranted and discharge from the Community Treatment Team was premature. I am concerned that the service user was not seen by a Consultant Psychiatrist at all after 30 May 2018 despite enquiring about a further appointment.
5. Appointment of a Care Coordinator I heard that in line with the trust CPA policy paragraph 12.1 "Consent must always be sought from a professional prior to them being identified as a Care Coordinator. Under no circumstances must any professional be stated as Care Coordinator without negotiation and agreement. " I am concerned that consent and agreement was not obtained from a care coordinator prior to being identified for the role of care coordinator and concerns regarding capacity were not considered.
6. FACE Risk assessment tool I am concerned that there continues to be an inconsistent approach to the assessment of risk. Various methods are still being deployed and there is a possibility of a disparity in the understanding of the risk to the service user and others.
7. Record Keeping Documentation 7
Sent To
  • Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Response Status
Linked responses 0 of 1
56-Day Deadline 7 Jul 2023
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Organisations named in PFD reports must respond within 56 days explaining what actions they are taking.

Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

Report Sections
Investigation and Inquest
On 10 April 2019 HM Senior Coroner Tony Brown commenced an Investigation into the death of Odessa Carey who was born on 20 May 1945 and who died within pn 8 April 2019. He adjourned and suspended the investigation under Schedule 1 of the CJA as he was informed on 15 April 2019 that an individual had been charged with a homicide offence of murder. On 11 March 2020 the perpetrator was found to have committed Murder and sentenced under Section 38 Hospital Order with a Section 41 Restriction. I made the decision to resume the Inquest, as there was sufficient reason to do so as the perpetrator had been involved with mental health services for an extensive period of time and was still open to services at the time of Odessa Carey's death. The conclusion of the inquest was "Unlawfully killed".

The medical cause of death was 1 a Blunt force head injury.
Circumstances of the Death
Odessa Carey was last seen alive on the evening of Thursday 4th April 2019 within her home address , Ashington. She was attacked by the perpetrator. On 7th April 2019 the police have attended , Ashington and found the body of the deceased covered with bedding sheets. The body was without the head. Police officers have then attended another address and following a systematic search of that property, the perpetrator was found and arrested in connection with the murder of the deceased. On 11 March 2020 the perpetrator was found to have committed Murder and sentenced under Section 38 Hospital Order with a Section 41 Restriction. I resumed the Inquest as there was sufficient reason to do so as the perpetrator had been involved with mental health services for an extensive period of time and was still open to services at the time of Odessa Carey's death.
Related Inquiry Recommendations

Public inquiry recommendations addressing similar themes

Community mental health services for violence-fixated children
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Mental health access for alcohol addiction
Mental health assessment powers for isolated children
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Formalise Community Vaccine Equity Networks
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Improve Vaccine Uptake Monitoring and Evaluation
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Open Registration
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Monitor Brook House contract performance robustly
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Independent review of use of force on mentally ill detainees
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Review and reduce cell lock-in periods
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Service change continuity plans
Vale of Leven Inquiry
Care and discharge planning
Continuing responsibility for care
Mid Staffs Inquiry
Care and discharge planning

Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.