Glasgow NHS has been fined £235,000 after a patient took his own life in their care.
The 36-year-old dad died died two days after being admitted to Dykebar Hospital in Paisley. An investigation into his death by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that some of the fixtures and fittings on the South Ward were not of an anti-ligature design.
In a statement issued today Crown Office prosecutor Debbie Carroll said NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde had failed in their duty of care to the father-of-four.
She explained: "Their failure to ensure that ligature points within the hospital were suitably and sufficiently risk-assessed and that patients were not exposed to those ligature points led to the death of a man in their care."
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The man was admitted to the hospital on January 20, 2020 and the HSE investigation following his passing also found that health chiefs failed to ensure that the existing ligature points at Dykebar Hospital were suitably and sufficiently risk assessed.
Remedial work was started in the wake of the tragedy, but the failings continued until 23 March 2020. The health board managed the existing ligature risks by placing at risk patients on ‘enhanced’ observations by nursing staff.
NHS Glasgow pled guilty at Paisley Sheriff Court to breaching health and safety regulations between January and March 2020.
Ms Carroll added: "Their failure to ensure that ligature points within the hospital were suitably and sufficiently risk-assessed and that patients were not exposed to those ligature points led to the death of a man in their care.
“This prosecution should remind duty holders that a failure to manage and implement effective measures can have fatal consequences and they will be held accountable for this failure."
The Samaritans can be contacted any time, from any phone, free on 116 123. You can also speak to Victim Support Scotland on 0800 160 1985 who offer free and tailored support. In an emergency, always dial 999 if within the United Kingdom.
