Elizabeth Godwin

PFD Report All Responded Ref: 2015-0233
Date of Report 19 June 2015
Coroner Ian Singleton
Response Deadline est. 14 August 2015
All 3 responses received · Deadline: 14 Aug 2015
Coroner's Concerns (AI summary)
Critical issues exist in mental health care regarding incomplete information gathering for assessments, poor urgency monitoring, inadequate inter-agency communication, unclear care responsibilities, and a lack of audit trails for patient transfers.
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a) As to the way in which information is gathered from the family and others involved where there is a need for an individual to have a mental health assessment. b) As to how the urgency of carrying out that assessment, is assessed, recorded and monitored. c) As to how that information is shared with other agencies involved in the care of that patient: d) As to who has responsibility for the care of that patient including the carrying out of the mental health assessment and any treatment arising from it e) As to how a transfer of that care between the agencies is communicated and acknowledged so that there is a clear audit trail, would you to review the policy and procedures that you have in place to deal with the referral to another agency of a patient who appears to be suffering from mental health issues having regard to the above concerns.
Responses
Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Trust NHS / Health Body
10 Aug 2015
Action Taken
Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH) has implemented additional resource for Mental Health Services and amended the Mental Health Assessment Matrix. All junior doctors, Emergency Nurse Practitioners and Nursing staff receive training in the use and application of the mental health matrix at induction. (AI summary)
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In addition, there is an allocated space on the self-harm proforma for information about the patient's next of kin, their relationship and the patient's wishes in relation to whether should be contacted_ The RUH is confident that; together with Avon and Wiltshire Partnership, sufficient changes in process, documentation and resource, have been implemented to minimise the risk to future patients.
Wiltshire Council Local Authority / Fire Service
11 Aug 2015
Action Planned
Wiltshire Council describes planned discussions between Wiltshire Council (WC) and AWP to be held to clarify roles and responsibilities and ensure that a process is followed. (AI summary)
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Dear Mr Singleton With reference to the enclosed Regulation 28 Report, please find enclosed our response. Please do not hesitate to contact if | can be of further assistance_
Avon and Wiltshire NHS Trust NHS / Health Body
13 Aug 2015
Action Taken
Avon and Wiltshire NHS Trust highlights that the Trust Care Programme Approach, (CPA), and Risk Policy outlines that staff will involve families and carers in the CPA process including assessment of risk. The Trust CPA and Risk Training highlights the need for staff to include the views of service users and carers in undertaking any assessment. (AI summary)
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Dear full the 'We

b) As to how the urgency of carrying out that assessment; is assessed, recorded and monitored: When an individual is referred to our services a triage process is undertaken to establish the urgency with which an assessment is required. The Trust has developed a Standard Operating Procedure for Primary Care Liaison Services, (PCLS), which outlines the process for receiving referrals and carrying out a phone triage system to establish risk and therefore urgency of response: All referrals are now made through the PCLS_ The Trust has developed a triage tool to support decision making in PCLS. The response to urgent referrals is addressed in the Trust Access to Mental Health Care Assessment and Treatment General Policy: All urgent assessments should be carried out within 4 hours by the Intensive Support team. Those requiring face to face routine assessment will be seen by PCLS workers within an appropriate time frame indicated by the triage process, with an expected maximum of 4 weeks The outcome of the triage process is recorded in the electronic patient record for the service user; if the service user has had contact with the Trust Mental Health Services before this would be added to the existing record or a new record started if one not already exist. The Trust services in Wiltshire have recently audited the records of the PCLS service recently and have found these to be comprehensive. In the event ofa Mental Health Act Assessment the AMHP would conduct a risk assessment to determine the urgency and proceed to set up the mental health act assessment: The AMHP service record the time of referrals and the time of assessments and monitor any significant delays between the two. c) As to how that information is shared with other agencies involved in the care of that patient: The Trust CPA and Risk Policy outlines the requirement that referrals not requiring assessment will be returned to the referrer with referral outcome decision and recommendations for further intervention_ In addition the outcome ofall triage processes and assessments will also be communicated to referrer, the service user and their family or carer if appropriate_ The audit of PCLS services in Wiltshire included if the outcome of triage and any face to face assessment was communicated to the referrer and other agencies, again this was found to be comprehensive If a Mental Health Act Assessment is carried out then as part of the assessment the AMHP is required to communicate with all other agencies involved at that time in the service user' $ care_ d) As to who has responsibility for the care of that patient including the carrying out of the mental health assessment and any treatment arising from it_ From the point at which the triage process has indicated that the service user requires a face to face assessment the responsibility for the care of that service user sits with the Trust: Should the service user Chair Trust Headquarters Chief Executive Anthony Gallagher Jenner House, Langley Park, Chippenham SN15 1GG lain Tulley 'We are a teaching, learning and research trust; we aim to inform you about relevant opportunities; unless you tell US otherwise does the

require emergency or urgent care the PCLS will refer to the Intensive Support Service who will provide further assessment and any treatment required, including admission to hospital if necessary: Ifa Mental Health Act Assessment is requested and a referral not made to the Trust services, it is the responsibility of the local authority to make arrangements for an approved mental health professional to consider the patient's case on their behalf: Only once the assessment is completed would it be the responsibility of the Trust to provide treatment arising out of the assessment: e) As to how a transfer of that care between the agencies is communicated and acknowledged so that there is a clear audit trail; Where a referral is made to the local authority for a Mental Health Act Assessment, it is only at the point that either the service user is detained in hospital and therefore further assessment or treatment is required that they become the responsibility of the Trust, or if the service user is not detained the AMHP makes a referral to the Trust: These decisions are recorded on the Mental Health Act paperwork which forms part of the service user'$ electronic patient record. Where a referral is made by an AMHP to the Trust this will be received by the PCLS who will undertake the triage process outlined above: A record of the referral and outcomes of this will be made in the service user's electronic patient record. Referrals between Trust services are monitored in electronic patient record. trust this response addresses your concern, but if can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Sent To
  • Avon and Wiltshire NHS Mental Health Partnership Trust
  • Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust Royal United Hospital
  • Wiltshire Council
Response Status
Linked responses 3 of 3
56-Day Deadline 14 Aug 2015
All responses received
About PFD responses

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 05 February 2013 an investigation was commenced into the death of Elizabeth Godwin aged 48. The investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on the 19 May 2015, having heard evidence on the and 8 April as well as the 19 2015 The conclusion was one of suicide whilst suffering from anxiety depression_
Circumstances of the Death
Elizabeth ("Liz") was left alone at home for a brief period on the 28 January 2013 and whilst in the bathroom attached one of a ligature made from lead to the bar of the shower cubicle before hanging herself.
Action Should Be Taken
In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe you have the power to take such action:
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Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.