Dean Rowland
27 Jun 2017 · Coroner Margaret Jones · Staffordshire (South)
The coroner's concerns
1. lack of timely access to primary care for medication adjustment
“The deceased wished to discuss an increase in his antidepressant medication with a doctor. He was unable to get an appointment or speak to a GP on the telephone for nine days.”
2. inadequate follow up after discharge from community mental health team
“He was referred to a community mental health team having made two serious previous suicide attempts. He was discharged after only one consultation with no _| follow up plan other than for him to refer back to primary care. The family perceived he would have benefitted from a further appointment. He was very willing to engage with services”