Prevention of Future Deaths report after Aaron Deeley inquest

Aaron Deeley, 43, died after suffering traumatic injuries falling from a window at the hospital in the early hours in January 2022.

An inquest in May found that the Mid and South Essex NHS Trust had failed to repair or replace windows, despite the issue first being reported in April 2019.

In a Prevention of Future Deaths report, Essex coroner Sonia Hayes highlighted that the Mid and South Essex Trust’s policy on mental health was “confusing”.

The report also called for improvements in supporting patients who are waiting for a mental health assessment and improvements in specialist mental health training.

Loving dad - Aaron Deeley (Image: Dwayne Leech)

The trust, which manages Southend, Basildon and Broomfield hospitals, has until August 14 to respond but said a number of these improvements are already being made.

Following the publication of the report, Aaron’s father-in-law Dwayne Leech, said: “Aaron was failed by the hospital, there were numerous failings from the moment he was admitted.

“No matter how many apologies or words of sympathy, it will never ease the pain and suffering we have endured. In a classroom where you learn, you can make mistakes, but when you are in a department or ward, mistakes will cost someone their life.

“Unfortunately, Aaron suffered that.”

The dad-of-four left behind his loving wife Michelle, and children, Hunter, Alexis, Destiny, and Jason.

Christine Blanshard, chief medical officer at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our condolences and sympathies are with the family of Aaron Deeley. We have already made a number of improvements in supporting patients with medical needs who may be awaiting a mental health assessment. This includes improved training, enhanced awareness at every level of our staff of the trust’s policies and procedures and better partnership working with our colleagues at Essex Partnership University NHS Trust.”