Prevention of Future Deaths reports · 2016

Janet Millar

Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths, reference 2016-0444, written 15 Dec 2016. A coroner writes one of these when an inquest reveals a risk that could cause further deaths unless something changes.

Date of report15 Dec 2016
Reference2016-0444
DeceasedJanet Millar
CoronerNicholas Rheinberg
Coroner areaCheshire
CategoryHospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Sourcejudiciary.uk record · original PDF
Responses publishednone published

The report

Text extracted from the PDF text layer. Reproduced verbatim, including the scan's own layout.

REGULATION 28:  REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS (1) 

REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS 

THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 

 Ms S.Cumiskey, Chief Executive of Bowmere Hospital 
CORONER 

1 

I am Nicholas Rheinberg, senior coroner for the coroner area of Cheshire 

2 

CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS 

I make this report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 
and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013. 

3 

INVESTIGATION and INQUEST 

On 5th June 2015 an investigation into the death of Janet Esme Millar was commenced. 
The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 1st December 2016. The 
conclusion of the inquest was that the deceased, whose medical cause of death was 
1(a) hanging, had died by suicide. 

4 

CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH 

The deceased who suffered from schizophrenia had been admitted to the Rosewood 
Unit of your hospital for rehabilitation. Ultimately she was held subject to section 3 of the 
Mental Health Act. In common with the majority of those diagnosed with a mental illness, 
the deceased was addicted to nicotine through cigarette smoking. The inquest heard 
evidence to the effect that Bowmere Hospital had, prior to the admission of the 
deceased, adopted a non-smoking policy for patients and staff. The deceased showed 
no interest in breaking her addiction and quitting smoking although there was evidence 
to the effect that she had been offered nicotine replacement therapy. There was a 
suspicion that some members of the nursing staff, although readily enforcing the 
smoking ban, were not fully engaged in addressing the problem of nicotine addiction and 
that this revealed a possible training deficit. 

5 

CORONER’S CONCERNS 

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In 
my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the 
circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. 

The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows.  –  

Most of those admitted to your hospital are addicted to nicotine. Some are suicidal. You 
have recognised that hand in hand with a non-smoking policy it is necessary to break 
the cycle of addiction and support those who are withdrawing. It would be a concern if 
there is a training deficit as identified in the previous section and this would need to be 
addressed. 

6 

ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN 

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and your 
organisation have the power to take such action.  

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 7 

YOUR RESPONSE 

You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this report, 
namely by 9th February 2017. I, the coroner, may extend the period. 

Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out 
the timetable for action. Otherwise you must explain why no action is proposed. 

8 

COPIES and PUBLICATION 

I have sent a copy of my report to the Chief Coroner and to the following Interested 
Persons 

and the CQC. 

I am also under a duty to send the Chief Coroner a copy of your response.  

The Chief Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted or summary 
form. He may send a copy of this report to any person who he believes may find it useful 
or of interest. You may make representations to me, the coroner, at the time of your 
response, about the release or the publication of your response by the Chief Coroner. 

9 

15th December 2016                                              

 Nicholas Leslie Rheinberg] 

2

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