Storrington man who '˜fell from roof of hospital' inquest conclusion

An inquest into the death of a Storrington man who '˜fell from the roof of Worthing Hospital' has concluded that there is not enough evidence to determine whether or not he intended to end his life.
Nicholas Weston with mother and sisterNicholas Weston with mother and sister
Nicholas Weston with mother and sister

A jury submitted a narrative conclusion at Edes House, Chichester, today, following the death of Nicholas Weston, on January 17 2016, and highlighted the fact there weren’t enough mental health beds in West Sussex.

Nicholas Weston, 23, of Meadowside, voluntarily admitted himself to Worthing Hospital on January 17, 2016, after ‘having suicidal thoughts’, an inquest heard last week.

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Nicholas attended A&E with his father, Richard Weston, and was moved into a clinical decision unit (CDU) as there were no mental health beds available, according to senior coroner Penelope Schofield.

Mrs Schofield told the inquest that at about 5pm the following day (January 18), Mr Weston left the unit and it was found shortly afterwards that he had ‘fallen from the roof after climbing out of a window’.

After hearing the evidence, the foreman of the jury said: “The evidence does not fully explain whether or not he (Nicholas Weston) intended that the outcome would be fatal.

“Nicholas made a deliberate decision to gain access to the roof, by means unknown and undetermined.

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“On the balance of probabilities the act was deliberate but the evidence does not determine the intended outcome.”

The jury also highlighted the need for mental health beds in West Sussex.

They said: “Contributing factors to Nicholas Weston’s death include the lengthy delays in accessing a mental health facility due to the lack of availability.

“Once he had been identified as requiring inpatient treatment, no additional mental health care was given in the interim period.”

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Following the conclusion of the jury, Richard Weston said: “I was relieved to hear the verdict.

“I have spent the last year thinking it was suicide and after hearing the evidence I have changed my mind completely, and I accept the conclusion.”

Senior coroner Penelope Schofield said: “I cannot imagine what it must be like to lose a son in such circumstances.

“The jury have clearly identified there is a lack of mental health beds in West Sussex, and what appears to be nationally.

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“I would like to extend my sincerest condolences from myself and on behalf of the jury for the sad loss of Nicholas.”

Dr. Maggie Davies, interim director of nursing and patient safety at Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This was a tragic incident and our thoughts are with Nicholas Weston’s family at this very difficult time.

“I would again like to extend our condolences to them and express our deepest sympathy for the loss of their son.”

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