Canvey father's death at Southend Hospital 'could have been avoided'

A ten-day inquest into the death of 43-year-old Aaron James Deeley began yesterday at Chelmsford Coroner’s Court after his death at Southend Hospital in January 2022.

Mr Deeley, a father-of-four from Canvey, had been admitted to hospital after an attempted overdose before smashing a window and falling from the second floor.

On the first day of the inquest, led by area coroner Sonia Hayes, a document from the Mid and South Essex NHS Trust was read out admitting to shortcomings in Mr Deeley’s case.

His family previously claimed he was left unsupervised, despite being a long-term sufferer of depression.

Reading the document, Mrs Hayes said: “The trust admits there were failings in the care provided during the admission at Southend Hospital.”

In the document it also “admitted that if these failings had not occurred, that his death would not have occurred”.

The court heard that the four-bedded bay where Mr Deeley was treated had temporarily only one member of staff working and he had not been referred to the mental health liaison team. He was admitted following an attempted overdose of medication before being moved to the second-floor acute medical unit.

The court heard a summary of the case, which explained that Mr Deeley had been admitted to hospital twice prior to his death following attempts to take his own life.

Mr Deeley’s family, with his wife Michelle, her parents, and her son in attendance, had a heartfelt letter read out to the jury.

“Aaron Deeley was a very humble man. He was kind-hearted and a very caring person. He was reserved and took care of his physique.

“He was a proud man and always respected. He made a home for his family to be proud of. His wife and kids have been left devastated by his passing. It has been very difficult to find solace.”

An inquest opening in February 2022 had concluded that Mr Deeley had died from multiple injuries he sustained after smashing and falling out of a window.

The inquest continues.