Benjamin Hazelden
26 Sept 2023 · Coroner Catherine Wood · North East Kent
A similar concern from this report was raised again 3 times later. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. limited placement options for autistic young adults at risk of self-harm or harming others
“young adults with autism who were at risk of self-harm as well as harm to others have very limited options in terms of placements where their needs can be met”
2. absence of specialist beds for autistic individuals needing intensive support
“no suitable beds available where he could be cared for in an environment which could meet his needs”
3. prolonged delays in arranging bespoke care placements
“A bespoke placement had been carefully created by those involved in [name redacted]'s care but this had taken several months to arrange”
4. systemic shortage of autism-specific crisis care services
“limited options for those requiring care relating to both the management of autism and self-harm or harm to others”
Linked reports
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
This report
“A bespoke placement had been carefully created by those involved in [name redacted]'s care but this had taken several months to arrange.”
Later report
“the delay in accessing residential care had been progressively getting longer over the last 10 years, which posed risks such as sudden death to patients.”
Closely relatedConfidence 0.85 · high
This report
“young adults with autism who were at risk of self-harm as well as harm to others have very limited options in terms of placements where their needs can be met.”
Later report
“The evidence revealed that there is currently a widespread shortage of available placements for someone with [the deceased]'s complex needs both in the community and within the NHS.”
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
This report
“acute psychiatric ward was considered but not deemed appropriate to meet his needs and as there were no specialist beds available he was discharged back to his home with increased support as the best option available.”
Later report
“The evidence reveals that there was a gap in the provision of care for individuals suffering with autism and in crisis, that remains the case today both in Devon and nationally.”
Responses
2024-0026-Reposnse-from-NHS-Kent-and-Medway.pdf ↗· NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group