My son was failed by system
DAD OF TRAGIC YOUNG MAN WHO TOOK HIS OWN LIFE SAYS CHANGES NEED TO MADE TO SAVE OTHERS
THE father of a young man who took his own life weeks after he was sent home from hospital by medics who said he was a ‘low-risk’ case told an inquest his son was failed.
A coroner heard officials said Sam Pringle, 28, ‘did not meet the criteria’ for further assessment following a serious suicide attempt, which led to him being admitted to a psychiatric unit for a week.
Within five weeks of being discharged from hospital, painter and decorator Sam – who struggled with mental ill-health – was reported missing. He earlier told his family he had gone out to buy a roof rack for his car. Police found Sam dead at stables near the Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, Stockport, close to where his late mother’s ashes had been scattered.
A rejection letter from Pennine Care mental health services then arrived at Sam’s home after he passed away on November 3 last year. It was opened by his grieving father Kevin. Changes have been made in light of the tragic case.
Kevin accused doctors and health officials of ‘failing’ his son during the hearing.
A coroner said he would file a report calling for improvements.
Kevin spoke of the need for change to ensure others aren’t let down.
”Sam’s got me to fight his corner,” he said. “There are other Sams out there who are just another person because they don’t have someone fighting for them.”
Sam was described by his loved ones as ‘handsome, strong and adventurous.’ He longed to start a family of his own. Kevin, 57, said he had been left devastated by the loss.
After his suicide attempt, Sam was subsequently sent home with antidepressants ahead of a follow-up visit while medics decided whether he needed a further assessment from the community health team. Victoria Booth, a registered mental health nurse with the home treatment team, said she thought risk was low in sending him home. Gemma
Ratcliffe, a registered occupational therapist, said Sam should have been offered an assessment by the community mental health team.
The hearing was told a psychiatrist had recommended lithium be prescribed to Sam but his GP refused due to protocol.
Recording a conclusion of suicide, coroner Jason Wells said he would file a report to the NHS about preventing future deaths.