Scott Donoghue
28 Sept 2023 · Coroner Lorraine Harris · East Riding and Hull
The coroner's concerns
1. lack of consistency in staff dealing with Mr Donoghue's care
“It was evident that the lack of consistency in staff dealing with Mr [name redacted] care was a factor in his ability to engage and be honest with those having oversight of him at a very fragile time in his treatment.”
2. lack of substantive change in HBTT staffing and funding
“Evidence was heard that the HBTT system is a nationwide treatment as an alternative to hospital admission and although peoples' care in HBTT had improved, a real continuity of staff could only occur with a substantive change which would include additional funding, recruitment of appropriate staff and an ability to retain staff.”
3. recurring staff inconsistency across inquests
“It is worthy of note that this is the 2nd inquest heard within 3 weeks in this jurisdiction whereby inconsistency of care staff has been cited as an issue in a suicide.”
4. rising suicide rates and need for urgent support
“Mental Health is a rising problem and it is my understanding that 115 people die by suicide every week. Acknowledgement of the important work undertaken by HBTT and the need to give the very best support to those who have taken the, often difficult, step of seeking help with their care is a matter that requires imminent attention”