NHS trust investigates care of psychiatric patient after family says his death was preventable
A London mental health trust has promised a full and robust investigation into the death of a man who took his own life hours after being allowed out of hospital for a short break.
Marcus Malachi's family say his death was preventable and he was let down by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Marcus Malachi had a history of mental health issues.
At the end of April he had a severe psychotic episode and his family believed he would get the help he needed.
But just a few days after being admitted he took his own life. Marcus was just 27 years old.
His sisters believe despite asking for help he wasn’t listened to. They said there are questions into their brother's care that have not yet been answered.
Marcus was the youngest of four children and the only boy. He first became ill back in 2017, two years after his mother died of cancer.> In the last few months since the pandemic his condition has got worse.> In the space of two days at the end of April, he attempted to take his own life 3 times.> He was then sectioned at Maudsley Psychiatric Hospital on the 2nd May.> Four days later he was discharged by his doctors against the wishes of his family.> His eldest sister pleaded for her brother not to be released but she said the doctor wouldn’t listen to her.
Within the space of 24 hours, Marcus realised how unwell he was and readmitted himself as a voluntary patient.>And the following day he was transferred to Lambeth hospital.>By the 10th May doctors there decided he was well enough to leave the grounds for a short break. His family weren't told and four hours later Marcus had taken his own life.
In a statement the NHS Trust responsible for Marcus's care said: