David Sewell

PFD Report All Responded Ref: 2017-0229
Date of Report 7 September 2017
Coroner Andrew Barkley
Response Deadline est. 30 November 2017
All 1 response received · Deadline: 30 Nov 2017
Coroner's Concerns (AI summary)
There was a lack of a robust system to ensure mental health patients, especially those with psychotic episodes, were seen and re-engaged, leading to discharge without adequate follow-up after an initial appointment failure.
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1) When Mr Sewell attended for the appointment with the Psychiatrist he was told by the main reception that were unaware of a Health Worker f that name and he left the building: He was contacted by telephone on 3 occasions on the 16ih and 17ih August but displayed hostility towards members of the team; His case was discussed by the_Multi-Disciplinary_Team on the 18lh August 2016 who today The daily from July: they decided to write a letter him which was sent on the 26th August inviting him to make contact or otherwise he would be discharged from the Teams care: He did not respond to that letter and no further follow up was made: The concern the evidence revealed relates to the apparent lack of a robust system to ensure that individuals with mental health problems, who may have experienced psychotic episodes as Mr Sewell had, are seen and appropriate care delivered. It was apparent from the evidence that after the letter was sent inviting to make contact he was simply discharged from the case load with no further efforts or steps made to try and re-engage him: There was clearly a need t0 do sO.
Responses
University Health Board
7 Sep 2017
Action Planned
The University Health Board has reviewed the case and circumstances. They will ensure reception staff are aware if an appointment is with the Mental Health Team and direct accordingly and have reviewed the Disengagement Policy for Mental Health. (AI summary)
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Dear Mr Barkley Re: Regulation 28 Report David Michael Sewell Further the Regulation 28 Report received on the 7th September 2017 with regards to the above may I present response to the matters raised: The Mental Health Directorate Management Team have reviewed the case and the circumstances of Mr Sewell's engagement As you state a referral was received at the Community Mental health Team (CMHT) following assessment by the Psychiatric Liaison Service: The referral was sent to the CMHT following a detailed assessment on the 4t August 2017 that included consideration for detention under the Mental Health Act (MHA, 1983) which stated that Mr Sewell would not be detainable: It was therefore the professional view of the CMHT that this was not an option at the time of the presenting condition and that community services were deemed the appropriate course of action. It is clear from the clinical records and the staff involved that the referral was received, and the case allocated, in a timely manner. The view of the CMHT was that the issue became one of engagement, exacerbated by the fact that the initial appointment resulted in confusion as to where Mr Sewell should attend: This confusion arose as the CMHT had spoken with Mr Sewell and arranged for him to attend to meet with the allocated member of staff that would undertake the assessment at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon: This assessment would start the Care and Treatment Plan (CTP) process that would include the allocation of Care Coordinator. However Mr Sewell attended at the main reception in Ysbyty Cwm Cvnoninstead of the reception in the Mental Health department: As he was nbrlitdE bH ED of the 0 Nov2817 Return Address: Cwm Taf University Health Board, Headquarters, Navigalion Park, Abercynon; CF4S 4SN Chair Cadeirydd; Professor Marcus Longley Chief Exccutive Prif Weithredydd: Mrs A Williams Cwm Taf Universily Hea th Board is thc opcraliona namc of thc Cwm Taf Univcrsity Hcalth DoardBwrdd Iechyd Pnlysgol Cwm Taf yw cnw gweithredol our

Your refleich cyf: GIG Bwrdd lechyd Prifysgol Our reflein cyf: AWIKJFIINQ 0P CYMRU Cwm Taf Date/Dyddiad: gth November 2017 Tel ffon: 01443 744800 NHS University Health Board Faxlffacs: 01443 744889 WALES Emailebost: Deptadran: Patient Care & Safety general systems for an appointment he subsequently left the hospital and was not seen: Further attempts to meet were met with hostility. To reduce this potential for confusion in the future the Adult Mental Health Directorate management teams have written to colleagues who are responsible for staffing the main reception (and their managers). Within this letter it reminds staff that people arriving for appointments that are not on the main system should be asked if the appointment is with the Mental Heath Team and if s0 direct accordingly. Also to be alert to the fact that people may be confused on the matter and require more attention: (letter attached): A review of the Disengagement Policy for Mental Health has been conducted, and it concluded that all stages of the policy were followed and it was reasonable at this time to discharge Mr Sewell as he clearly had no intention to meaningfully engage with the service: As consideration for Mental Health Act detention had been considered, the team wrote to Mr Sewell at the time as telephone contact was clearly antagonising the situation, to further offer a service: On reflection the team felt that having had contact with the Crisis Service previously, any future difficulties experienced by Mr Sewell would have led him to contact these services either directly or through referral by his GP. Unfortunately his death 10 months later was not preceded with any such contact. The Adult Mental Health Directorate have therefore concluded that it acted proportionately to the need presented at the time and in keeping with the Community Mental Health Act Disengagement Policy (enclosed): The possible requirement for using MHA detention order was considered in Mr Sewell's assessment dated 4th August 2016. The Adult Mental Health Directorate also conclude that there was no further actions that we could have undertaken to engage with Mr Sewell, however, accept that procedures at the reception for engagement when discharged patients arrive unannounced or without an appointment require improvement:
Sent To
  • Cwm Taff University Hospital Health Board
Response Status
Linked responses 1 of 1
56-Day Deadline 30 Nov 2017
All responses received
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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 the 13h June 2017 | commenced an investigation into the death of the David Michael Sewell aged 46. The investigation concluded at the end of an inquest 6ih September 2017_ medical cause of death was 1a. Transection of the left brachial artery and the conclusion of the inquest was "Suicide"
Circumstances of the Death
The deceased lived on his own and was discovered in the bath at his address in the early hours of the 5ih June 2017 by his mother who forced entry to his property. He was found covered in blood with obvious injuries to his arms_ He was holding a cut throat shaving razor close to his face with his right hand. He was known to have suffered some form of a breakdown in July and August of 2016 after which he attempted to cut his arms and neck and was admitted to hospital. Upon his release he was under the care of the home treatment team who visited him the gth to the 14th He was reviewed by a Psychiatrist on the 13ih July and prescribed medication. He was then re-admitted to hospital on the 2nd August following a mixed overdose and was referred on t0 see a Psychiatrist within the Community Mental Health Team: He was not seen by Psychiatrist as planned due to difficulties with appointments_ His only other contact with health professionals were with his General Practitioner
Action Should Be Taken
In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe you and your organisation have the power to take such action.
Related Inquiry Recommendations

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Mental health assessment powers for isolated children
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Independent review of use of force on mentally ill detainees
Brook House Inquiry
Mental health access for alcohol addiction
Service change continuity plans
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Care and discharge planning
Continuing responsibility for care
Mid Staffs Inquiry
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Follow up of patients
Mid Staffs Inquiry
Care and discharge planning

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