Ombudsman: Poor Care Enabled Violent Attack

A man diagnosed with schizophrenia attacked a member of the public in October 2020, an incident an ombudsman has stated could have been prevented with better mental health treatment. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) cited a series of failings by the NHS trust, now known as Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, in the year leading up to the attack.

The man was initially admitted to hospital in October 2019. In April and May of 2020, his mother repeatedly contacted mental health services about his concerning behavior, including preventing her from leaving their home. She expressed extreme fear and begged for help.

According to the PHSO report, the NHS trust was aware of the man's crisis but, against guidelines, advised the mother to contact the police instead of creating a care plan. After being arrested and detained, he was released in June 2020. He received only three phone calls from his care team over the next three months and was never seen in person before being discharged in October 2020.

PHSO chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath highlighted the "stark consequences of poor mental health care" and noted the trust's failings may have contributed to the man's mental health decline. The trust has since apologized for care not meeting standards and stated it has strengthened community services.