The Bolton News, 14th December 2023

A 75-year-old man with depression was discovered dead after the NHS Trust responsible for his treatment missed up to five visits. There was “no continuity of care”.

Robert Leigh, from Horwich, was discovered dead at his home this year in what coroner Professor Dr Alan Walsh ruled as a suicide.

From 2020, Mr Leigh was in contact with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust (GMMH) and, last year, he was detained for around five months after an attempt at self-harm.

When he was discharged he saw a care coordinator at regular appointments once a fortnight. At one of these regular appointments on October 25 last year he was described as settled.

However this care coordinator was off for a prolonged period of time from November 10 last year and as a result the trust missed up to five visits.

They resumed after a staff member was appointed at the start of this year but, according to Professor Dr Walsh, there was “no continuity of care”. After the inquest Professor Dr Walsh wrote to the trust out of concern for its response to the absence of a staff member whether short-term or long-term.

Professor Dr Walsh said: “I request the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust reviews their procedures and policies to cover the absence of a care coordinator, both in relation to short-term absences and long-term absences, and in relation to the appointment of an interim care coordinator.”

GMMH answered to set out a number of changes in response to the case of Mr Leigh.

Dr Arasy Kuppuswamy, its chief medical officer, said all at GMMH were “very sorry”.

Dr Kuppuswamy said: “We express our deepest condolences to Robert’s family and all who cared for him. We are very sorry for the shortcomings identified in the care and treatment provided.

“It is very important we learn from our mistakes, and since Robert’s death, we have implemented a new procedure so any planned or unplanned staff absence is promptly reviewed and actioned so no service user is left without the support they need. Plans are in place to monitor and review this new procedure to make sure it is working well.”