Ayrshire man's tragic suicide day after hospital discharge

The man, referred to as Mr A in an official report, was taken to hospital after self-harming.

He had written a suicide note, which was brought to hospital with him.

You can call Samaritans any time, any day on 116 123, email at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org

Psychiatric clinicians assessed him and decided that he did not require hospital admission for observation or detoxification.

They concluded that he showed no evidence of a specific plan or intent to carry out suicide and did not present with a mental illness.

Mr A was discharged and the next day completed suicide.

Mr A’s ex, referred to as C, complained the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) about what happened to him.

C told SPSO they were never informed of Mr A’s admission or discharge despite still being his next of kin.

Having taken advice from a consultant psychiatrist, SPSO found: “Staff carried out an appropriately detailed assessment...and made decisions that were in line with relevant guidance, based on the information available to them at the time.”

But NHS Ayrshire and Arran previously admitted that clinicians did not look at Mr A’s suicide note, and both the health board and SPSO agreed this was a ‘shortcoming’.

However, SPSO did not uphold C’s complaint, finding that Mr A had been given the appropriate level of care.

As for why C was not contacted as next of kin, the hospital decided that Mr A’s father was the most appropriate contact because he was living with him at the time.

SPSO agreed this was a reasonable decision and did not uphold C’s complaint.

Dr Crawford McGuffie, Medical Director, said: “Every suicide is a tragedy and our thoughts and condolences are with Mr A’s family.

“To respect and maintain patient confidentiality it is not possible to release any further information at this time.”

You can call Samaritans any time, any day on 116 123, email at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org