Christopher Swain
14 Dec 2020 · Coroner Penelope Schofield · West Sussex
The coroner's concerns
1. inconsistent patient observation practices leading to unclear last seen time
“During the evidence there was some confusion amongst staff as to what was required of them when carrying out observations patients in their rooms. There were different practices adopted by different staff and there appeared to be a custom of not enteriing a patient's room on the hourly observations so as not to disturb the patients. Sadly because of this practice it was unclear when [the deceased] had last been seen alive. Whilst the Trust has indicated that all staff have received further training”