No 'neglect' in youth's suicide

Timothy Whattler died aged 17

The death of a teenager at an NHS psychiatric unit may have been prevented if staff had monitored him more closely, a coroner has said.

A verdict of suicide was recorded on 17-year-old Timothy Whattler, who hanged himself after he had been downgraded to a low suicide risk.

He was found in his bedroom at Beech Court in Bridgwater in February 2006.

The West Somerset coroner, Michael Rose, said staff had not been guilty of neglect.

He did recommend further training of staff to deal with patients with Asperger's syndrome, and a review of safety within rooms at psychiatric units.

Mr Rose said: "The deceased's death may have been prevented if the seriousness of his intentions, mainly the significance of several self-inflicted cuts on both arms, and two incidents where he had expressed anxiety during the day, and his earlier history, including his attempts to kill himself, had been more fully recognised."

A spokesman for Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust said that a review of practices and policies had been undertaken following Timothy's death.

He said: "Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust wishes to extend its sincere condolences to the family of Timothy Whattler for the tragic death of their son.

"We always strive to learn from any incidents and as a result have undertaken a major review of our policies and practices and a comprehensive action plan has been implemented."