Joshua Weavers
17 Feb 2025 · Coroner Jacques Howell · Hertfordshire
The coroner's concerns
1. long waiting times for ASD assessments
“waiting times for ASD assessments are very long. Such assessments are important in guiding effective care and treatment, as well as being a potential gateway to access other relevant services. This combined with the fact of an increased risk of suicidal behaviour amongst those who receive a diagnosis of ASD, gives rise to a concern that future deaths may occur on account of the delays in ASD assessment.”
2. insufficient safety measures on bridge
“the safety measures in place on the [REDACTED] to guard against pedestrians either jumping or falling from the bridge do not meet current guidance, and therefore gives rise to a risk of future deaths occurring”