Nigel Hammond

I am Nigel Parsley, Senior Coroner, for the coroner area of Suffolk.

On 18 th March 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of Nigel Hutton HAMMOND The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 8 th October 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was that the death was the result of: – Suicide, whilst the balance of his mind was disturbed . The medical cause of death was confirmed as: 1a Left Middle Cerebral Artery infarction, Traumatic Brain Injury 2   Depression, Lymphoma

Nigel Hammond’s death was verified at 10:20 on 14 th March 2024, at the Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. On the 11 th March 2024 Nigel fell [REDACTED] at his home address. An ambulance was called, and Nigel was initially taken to the Ipswich Hospital but was transferred to the trauma centre at Addenbrooke’s hospital due to the extent of his injuries. Nigel succumbed to the injuries received in the fall, three days later. Nigel had suffered with his mental health for a protracted period, and it is more likely than not that his fall from the window was a deliberate attempt to end his life.

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters given rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN as follows.  –

In late 2018 Nigel became seriously mentally unwell and was admitted to a Mental Health Unit, under the Mental Health Act provisions, for a period of 3 months. Whilst admitted, Nigel was diagnosed with advanced lymphoma (a lymphatic cancer) and upon discharge from the Mental Health Unit spent a further 3 months in hospital being treated for this.

Upon his release, his family, carers, Mental Health Home Treatment team, worked together to provide exemplary care for Nigel, whose health stabilised and in 2020 his care was transferred back to his own General Practitioner.

Nigel remained well until Friday 8 th March 2024, when due to his decline in mental health he was taken to see his GP, and on the 9 th March 2024 Nigel was prevented by family intervention from ending his life by jumping into a river.

This incident led to Nigel’s family speaking to the on duty Authorised Mental Health Professional (AMHP) from the Suffolk Emergency Duty Service Team, on the evening of 9 th March 2024.  An AMHP is a mental health professional approved by a local social services authority to coordinate the mental health assessment and admission to hospital, of individuals requiring admission under the Mental Health Act provisions

In evidence, the court heard that the AMHP, in line with Nigel’s family and his own wishes, agreed that an admission to hospital would not be in Nigel’s best interest. The AMHP identified that the successful home treatment regime previously in place would be the ideal care package for Nigel. This arrangement would also be consistent with the ‘least restrictive principle’ which surrounds the application of Mental Health legislation.

In my opinion action should be taken in order to prevent future deaths, and I believe you or your organisation have the power to take any such action you identify.