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Mental Health Trusts should protect patients and others from harm

I read in the news recently about a mentally-ill ex-soldier was collecting knives before he sadly murdered an elderly dog walker.

Mental Health Trusts have a responsibility to protect patients and others from harm. It is important for the mental health professionals to consider all relevant information relating to a patient when deciding upon the treatment plan and whether to discharge a patient.

Potter Rees Dolan have experience in representing individuals who have suffered life changing injuries as a result of assaults committed by patients with a mental health illness in circumstances where it was alleged they should not have been discharged from hospital.

One key factor in such claims is whether the Trust is aware, or should be aware, that another individual is at risk if that particular patient is discharged home.

Sophie Birch is a clinical negligence solicitor here at Potter Rees Dolan. Should you have any queries about clinical negligence issues or indeed any other aspect of this article and wish to speak to Sophie or any other member of the team please contact us on 0161 237 5888 or email Sophie directly.