Prevention of Future Deaths reports · 2025

Amy Padley

Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths, reference 2025-0105, written 24 Feb 2025. A coroner writes one of these when an inquest reveals a risk that could cause further deaths unless something changes.

Date of report24 Feb 2025
Reference2025-0105
DeceasedAmy Padley
CoronerKirsten Heaven
Coroner areaSwansea Neath & Port Talbot
CategoryHospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths · Mental Health related deaths · Suicide (from 2015) · Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)
Sourcejudiciary.uk record · original PDF
Responses published1

The report

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

REGULATION 28:  REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS 

REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS 

THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO:  

THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE  
SWANSEA BAY UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD 
1 TALBOT GATEWAY 
BAGLAN ENERGY PARK 
BAGLAN 
PORT TALBOT 
SA12 7BR 

1  CORONER 

I am Kirsten Heaven, Assistant Coroner, for the coroner area of SWANSEA & NEATH 
PORT TALBOT 

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 20 February 2025 I heard the inquest into the death of Amy Marie Padley. 

The medical cause of death was: 
1a Hanging 

The conclusion of the inquest was a narrative conclusion as follows: 

Amy Marie Padley had a diagnosis of emotionally unstable personality disorder 
(‘EUPD’) and historically had a diagnosis of depression and is recorded as having 
problems with an eating disorder and body dysmorphia. From the age of 16 and 
then for many years Amy had was prescribed various anti-depressant and other 
medications. Amy also suffered from a longstanding and harmful addiction to 
alcohol which escalated closer in time to her death in a context of family divorce 
and family breakdown. Amy had some limited early involvement with community 
mental health services when she was young and then had not engaged. In the two 
years before her death Amy had overdosed twice and had experienced some 
fleeting suicidal ideation and had been admitted to hospital. Roughly four months 
before her death Amy had undergone an emergency alcohol detoxification in a 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 hospital setting whilst on the waiting list for alcohol services from a third sector 
agency. Amy had engaged with a number of third sector agencies in the two years 
before her death to help with her alcohol addiction, but her engagement had been 
sporadic, and she often disengaged. Amy had also been offered and turned down 
appointments to see mental health professionals.  Amy was engaged with one third 
sector agency at the time of her death. Three weeks before her death Amy 
overdosed on a dangerous level of medication but then felt remorse and expressed 
plans for the future. Amy had also expressed wanting psychiatric input to assist 
with overcoming her alcohol addiction. Amy was discharged from hospital after 
being assessed by Liaison Psychiatry but was not referred to the community 
mental health team as the view was that Amy first needed to address her alcohol 
addiction. There were several opportunities that were missed by Swansea 
University Bay Health Board (‘SUBHB’) staff to refer Amy to the community mental 
health team for assessment in the primary care setting including when Amy 
overdosed on 18 June 2022 shortly before her death. I find that that this was 
because too much emphasis was placed by SUBHB staff on Amy needing to seek 
help to first addresses her alcohol addiction with insufficient consideration given 
to Amy’s underlying mental health diagnosis and the role that may have been 
playing in her mental health deterioration. There was also insufficient attention 
given to the difficulties Amy faced in engaging with third sector organisations for 
her alcohol addiction and her inability to consistently seek help for herself and 
whether this was because of her mental health diagnosis. Amy was known to 
engage in impulsive and dangerous acts of self-harm and to experience suicidal 
thoughts when intoxicated and that Amy was suffering from long-standing alcohol 
addiction. I consider that this posed a risk to her life and that this risk (i.e. life-
threatening self-harm when intoxicated and when having suicidal thoughts) was 
not given sufficient consideration when she was discharged by Liaison Psychiatry 
three weeks before her death.  There were several missed opportunities for mental 
health services to try and engage Amy before her death so that they could assess 
her and undertake a medication review. I am unable to say whether these missed 
opportunities contributed to Amy’s death as I do not know whether Amy would 
have engaged with any appointment that she was offered and whether an 
assessment would have been arranged and/or had any meaningful impact before 
Amy took her own life. On the 8 July 2022 Amy was found by her daughter, hanging 

. Attending paramedics and 

Police confirmed the death at 06.50hrs.  

I am satisfied that Amy took her own life and intended to do so. 

4  CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH 

The deceased Amy Marie Padley. 

Amy Marie Padley suffered from alcohol addiction and depression and was 
diagnosed with an EUPD. On 18 June 2022 Amy overdosed and had an inpatient 
admission. Amy was then discharged by Liaison Psychiatry with no mental health 
follow up. Amy was found deceased at her home having taken her own life by 
suspension and was declared deceased on 8 July 2022 at 06.50. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5  CORONER’S CONCERNS 

During the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to a 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 make a report under paragraph 7, 
Schedule 5 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and Regulations 28 and 29 of the 
Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013  

The MATTERS OF CONCERN is as follows: 
I am concerned about the evidence I heard in this inquest that when an individual 
is suffering from alcohol or drug addiction alongside a mental health diagnosis, 
which in this case was EUPD and depression, that the focus of SUBHB is normally 
to advise that individual to address their addiction before they can access mental 
health services. I heard that addiction services do not fall within the remit of 
SUBHB and are provided by third-sector agencies. I heard that individuals who 
have a mental health diagnosis may self -medicate to manage symptoms of a 
mental health deterioration and that increased use of alcohol/drugs can increase 
the risk of self-harm to such individuals which may prove fatal. I am concerned that 
there is no guidance to staff within SBUHB on how to manage individuals with 
addiction and a mental health diagnosis and how SUBHB staff should liaise with 
and work alongside third-sector agencies in respect of an individual suffering from 
addiction. I am also concerned that there appears to be a reluctance within SBUHB 
to offer mental health support alongside suggesting that an individual access 
addiction services. I am concerned that this may mean that individuals in mental 
health crisis and suffering from addiction may not be getting the mental health 
assessment and support that they require alongside seeking to overcome their 
addiction and as such there is continuing risk to life. 

6 

ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN 

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

7 

YOUR RESPONSE 

You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this 
report, namely by 21st April 2025. 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, the family of Amy Marie Padley. 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 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 

24 February 2025

Responses

1 response published against this report on judiciary.uk. A response is a body's written reply to the coroner's concerns; publication is at the discretion of the Chief Coroner's office, so an absent response does not mean nobody replied.

Response from Swansea Bay University Health Board (PDF)
Cadeirydd/Chairman: 
Prif Weithredwr/Chief Executive: 

gofalu am ein gilydd, cydweithio, gwella bob amser caring for 
each other, working together, always improving 

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn y Gymraeg ac yn y Saesneg. 
We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English.

Dyddiad/Date: 24th April 2025 
Ein Cyf/Our Ref: 

To Kirsten Heaven, Assistant Coroner,  
for the Coroner area of SWANSEA & 
NEATH PORT TALBOT 

Dear Ms Heaven,  

RESPONSE BY SWANSEA BAY UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD TO REGULATION 28 

REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS ISSUED IN THE INQUEST OF AMY PADLEY  

This letter is written in response to the Report issued under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the 

Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and Regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) 

Regulations  2013,  dated  notification  dated  24th  April  2024  wherein  you  identified  the 

following concerns and stated that it was your opinion there is a risk that future deaths will 

occur unless action is taken.  

The concerns you raised are set out below the concerns along with the actions taken by the 

Health Board. 

CORONER’S CONCERNS  

Concern 1  

When  an individual is suffering from alcohol or drug addiction alongside a  mental health 

diagnosis,  which  in  this  case  was  EUPD  and  depression,  that  the  focus  of  SBUHB  is 

normally to advise that individual to address their addiction before they can access mental 

health services. I heard that addiction services do not fall within the remit of SBUHB and 

are provided by third-sector agencies.  I heard that  individuals who have a mental health 

diagnosis may self -medicate to manage symptoms of a  mental health deterioration and 

that increased use of alcohol/drugs can increase the risk of self-harm to such individuals 

which may prove fatal.  

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. 
We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. 

Cadeirydd/Chair:

 Prif Weithredwr/Chief Executive: 

Pencadlys BIP Bae Abertawe, Un Porthfa Talbot, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR  
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Bae Abertawe yw enw gweithredu Bwrdd Iechyd Lleol Prifysgol Bae Abertawe 

Swansea Bay UHB Headquarters, One Talbot Gateway, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR 
Swansea Bay University Health Board is the operational name of Swansea Bay University Local Health Board 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Swansea Bay University Health Board Response: 

The Mental Health (Wales) Measure (2010) (MH Measure) defines the provision of mental 

health services into Primary and Secondary care provision. This response will clarify the 

difference in service provision for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance 

use between primary and secondary levels of care. Part 1 of the MH Measure relates to 

Local Primary Care and seeks to improve and expand the services available for GPs and 

similar to refer patients to for support.  

These  services essentially cover two groups, those who have “mild to moderate” mental 

health  problems,  for  example  anxiety  or  depression,  and  those  who  have  more  serious 

mental health problems but who are sufficiently recovered that their illness is stable. Part 2 

of the MH Measure relates to Secondary Care. It provides people who receive secondary 

mental health services with two rights: the right to have a Care Coordinator appointed to 

work  with them to coordinate their care and treatment,  and the right to an individual and 

comprehensive Care and Treatment Plan to assist their recovery.  

SBUHB Community Drug and Alcohol (SBUHB CDAT) Services do not fall under the MH 

Measure.  Patients  receive  care  in  line  with  their  assessed  needs.  Access  to  Substance 

misuse  services  is  initially  via  a  collective  of  specialist  third-sector organisations  (Barod, 

Newid, and Dyfodol) who have expertise and experience in meeting the needs of people 

experiencing substance misuse issues. Access to substance misuse services requires the 

patient to demonstrate motivation and a willingness to actively participate with the service 

provider,  focusing  on harm  reduction  and  the  provision  of  social  support.  SBUHB  CDAT 

work  collaboratively  with  these  third-sector  organisations,  who  play  a  crucial  role  in 

supporting  individuals  with  addiction,  offering  relapse  prevention  work  both  pre  and  post 

detoxification,  and  providing  ongoing  support  to  individuals  as  they  navigate  recovery. 

These third-sector organisations work closely with the SBUHB CDAT to ensure a seamless 

and coordinated approach to care, enhancing the overall support system for individuals in 

need. As part of this, the SBUHB CDAT will work with individuals to reduce harm, maintain 

stability  and  work  towards  the  longer-term  goal  of  abstinence.  This  will  include  opiate 

substitute therapy (stabilising and maintaining individuals on treatments to stop opiate use) 

or detoxification programmes for individuals to safely cease dependent substance use.   

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. 
We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. 

Cadeirydd/Chair: 

Prif Weithredwr/Chief Executive: 

Pencadlys BIP Bae Abertawe, Un Porthfa Talbot, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR  
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Bae Abertawe yw enw gweithredu Bwrdd Iechyd Lleol Prifysgol Bae Abertawe 

Swansea Bay UHB Headquarters, One Talbot Gateway, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR 
Swansea Bay University Health Board is the operational name of Swansea Bay University Local Health Board 

 
 
 
 
 
 The  SBUHB  CDAT  service  is  staffed  by  qualified  Mental  Health  Nurses  and  Consultant 

Psychiatrist  who  have  specialist  roles  in  the  management  of  substance misuse  patients. 

Since Spring 2024, SBUHB has employed two co-occurring (mental health and substance 

misuse)  link  workers,  experienced  mental  health  nurses  covering  the  Swansea  Bay 

footprint. They provide support to individuals with both mental health issues and substance 

use  challenges.  These  link  workers  work  specifically  bridge  the  gap  between  the 

Community  Mental  Health  Teams  (CMHTs)  and  Community  Drug  and  Alcohol  Teams 

(CDATs)  ensuring  a  more  seamless,  collaborative  approach  to  care.  They  work  as 

members  of  the  multi-disciplinary  team,  with  their  role  centred  on  promoting  joined  up 

working,  actively  participating  in  assessments,  ongoing  screening,  care  planning,  and 

treatment delivery.  Referrals to the link workers are accepted through attendance at multi-

disciplinary team (MDT) meetings, case reviews, and clinical discussions.  The co-occurring 

link  workers  apply  a  range  of  evidence-based  approaches  including  harm  minimisation, 

relapse  prevention,  motivational  interviewing,  and  planning  or  supporting  detoxification 

programmes.  In  addition,  they  provide  tailored  mental  health  care  based  on  individuals’ 

clinical needs, reinforcing a recovery-focused model of support. The link workers carry a 

limited caseload of individuals who have been identified as having established substance 

misuse issues, allowing for more intensive and personalised intervention.   

Between October 2024 and March 2025, SBUHB held co-occurring training for clinicians 

working in Liaison Psychiatry along with both mental health and substance use services in 

the community and in the wards, with the aim of building knowledge, skills and helping staff 

understand the complexities of dual diagnosis and equipping them to respond effectively. 

This two-day training focused on enhancing trauma-informed practice, promoting a deeper 

understanding  of  how  mental  health  challenges  and  addiction  are  often  rooted  in  past 

experiences and unmet needs. Through interactive sessions, reflective exercises, and real-

life  case  examples,  clinicians  explored  the  impact  of  trauma,  the  evolving  concepts  of 

addiction and mental health, and the importance of relationship-based working. The training 

also  highlighted  strategies  for  self-care  and  team  resilience,  recognising  the  emotional 

demands of working  with individuals facing complex co-occurring issues. Feedback from 

participants indicated the training was valuable in improving confidence, encouraging more 

holistic approaches to care, and fostering stronger collaboration across services. 

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. 
We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. 

Cadeirydd/Chair: 

Prif Weithredwr/Chief Executive: 

Pencadlys BIP Bae Abertawe, Un Porthfa Talbot, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR  
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Bae Abertawe yw enw gweithredu Bwrdd Iechyd Lleol Prifysgol Bae Abertawe 

Swansea Bay UHB Headquarters, One Talbot Gateway, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR 
Swansea Bay University Health Board is the operational name of Swansea Bay University Local Health Board 

 
 
 This has improved the services ability to work with individuals with co-existing mental health 

and substance misuse challenges giving staff improved insight into the needs of the patients 

enabling them to provide a more inclusive and accessible service.  Analysis of attendance 

and  the  effectiveness  of  the  training  (which  includes  a  Microsoft  forms  review  of  the 

awareness and uptake of the role of the Co-occurring keyworkers) is currently underway 

with a report due in the June MHLD Quality and Safety Committee meeting with a view of 

deciding on any additional training and developmental needs being identified for action.  

The SBUHB Local Primary Mental Health Support Service (LPMHSS) provide assessment 

and intervention for adults who are experiencing common mental health problems (such as 

Anxiety,  Depression,  Post  Traumatic  Stress  Disorder  (PTSD),  Obsessive  Compulsive 

Disorder (OCD)), or stable severe and enduring mental health problems. This is described 

as  a  Primary  Care  Mental  Health  Service  (under  the  MH  Measure).  Here,  therapeutic 

interventions include a range of group work programmes (e.g., Emotional Regulation Skills) 

and/or  individual  therapy  (as  directed  by  the  treating  therapist)  which  are  focused  on 

reducing the psychological difficulties associated with mental health issues and is in line 

with  NICE  guidance.  These  services  have  been  identified  for  patients  where  their 

assessment  needs  have  identified  they  do  not meet  the  secondary  care  criteria and  this 

service is available to all patients in primary care.   

There is a Community Personality Disorder Service (Dechrau Newydd) within Swansea Bay 

University Health Board (SBUHB), which offers a NICE Guidance recommended treatment, 

Dialectical  Behaviour  Therapy  (DBT)  for  suicidal  women  and  men  with  a  diagnosis 

of EUPD, who are in receipt of Secondary Care Mental Health Services (MH Measure).  

Concern 2  

No  guidance  to  staff  within  SBUHB  on  how  to  manage  individuals  with  addiction  and  a 

mental health diagnosis and how SUBHB staff should liaise with and work alongside third-

sector agencies in respect of an individual suffering from addiction.  

Swansea Bay University Health Board Response: 

The SBUHB CDAT and third-sector organisations work together, ensuring a collaborative 

approach for individuals with both substance use and mental health concerns. This includes 

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. 
We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. 

Cadeirydd/Chair: 

 Prif Weithredwr/Chief Executive: 

Pencadlys BIP Bae Abertawe, Un Porthfa Talbot, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR  
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Bae Abertawe yw enw gweithredu Bwrdd Iechyd Lleol Prifysgol Bae Abertawe 

Swansea Bay UHB Headquarters, One Talbot Gateway, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR 
Swansea Bay University Health Board is the operational name of Swansea Bay University Local Health Board 

 
 
 
 
 
 regular coordination between clinical teams and third-sector agencies where necessary, to 

discuss  specific  cases  and  ensure  that  appropriate  care  plans  are  in  place.  While  this 

collaboration  is  in  place  for  Substance  Use  Services,  we  recognise  the  need  for  more 

formalised  guidance  and  integration  to  ensure  Community  Mental  Health  staff  are  clear 

about  how  best  to  manage  individuals  with  both  addiction  and  mental  health  diagnoses. 

This  has  now  been  enhanced  by  the  introduction  (Spring  2024)  of  the  co-occurring  key 

worker  role  who  are  in  place  to  help  staff  bridge  the  gap  between  mental  health  and 

addiction services. 

In Liaison Psychiatry an additional Substance Misuse nurse was employed starting on 12th 

November 2023. This role has the additional responsibility in working with the mental health 

nurses in Liaison Psychiatry to highlight the mental health needs of patients with substance 

misuse issues. The additional Substance Misuse nurse has increased the opportunity for 

joint  assessments  with  mental  health  nurses,  aiming  to  provide  a  comprehensive  care 

package  for  the  individuals  and  improving  awareness  of  the  needs  of  this  patient  group 

within the service.  

An  Operational  Co-occurring  Group  is  currently  being  developed between  Mental  Health 

and CDAT services to implement clear working guidance on joint working processes. This 

group will commence in May 2025 and will be co-chaired by the Directorate Managers for 

both the Adult Mental Health Directorate and the CDAT Directorate. The objectives for this 

group are to develop a Standard Operating Procedure for managing individuals with both 

addiction  and  a  mental  health  diagnosis,  ways  of  strengthening  this  support,  including 

developing  further  guidance  for  staff  to  help  them  navigate  these  complex  cases  and 

provide clear direction on how to liaise with third-sector organisations effectively.  This will 

be completed by October 2025.  The outcomes from the Operational Co-occurring Group 

will  benefit  both  patients  and  staff  by  providing  clearer  guidance,  monitor  risks,  improve 

understanding and secure closer collaboration and treatment between addiction and mental 

health teams. 

There was previously a regional Co-occurring and Mental Health Steering Group meeting, 

which  achieved  some  of  its  aims  producing  a  regional  Co-Occurring  Mental  Health  and 

Substance Use Strategy for the West Glamorgan Region (2023-2026). The Strategy applies 

to all statutory and voluntary sector organisations delivering mental health and substance 

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. 
We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. 

Cadeirydd/Chair: 

 Prif Weithredwr/Chief Executive: 

Pencadlys BIP Bae Abertawe, Un Porthfa Talbot, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR  
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Bae Abertawe yw enw gweithredu Bwrdd Iechyd Lleol Prifysgol Bae Abertawe 

Swansea Bay UHB Headquarters, One Talbot Gateway, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR 
Swansea Bay University Health Board is the operational name of Swansea Bay University Local Health Board 

 
 
 
 
 use support to adults across the West Glamorgan Region, in both community and inpatient 

settings. Some of the work in relation to its implementation resulted in the development of 

the above  link worker  posts. The emergent Operational Co-occurring Group will use this 

Strategy as a basis for the development of a Standard Operating Procedure and Clinical 

pathway to take the work forwards. 

The steering group will need to be re-established and supporting by the West Glamorgan 

Area Planning Board for Substance Use structures and further development work on the 

co-occurring  issue  will  from  part  of  the  planned  work  the  publishing  of West  Glamorgan 

Drug Commissioning Report which will be in the coming months. 

Concern 3  

Reluctance  within  SBUHB  to  offer  mental  health  support  alongside  suggesting  that  an 

individual access addiction services. This may mean that individuals in mental health crisis 

and suffering from addiction may not be getting the mental health assessment and support 

that  they  require  alongside  seeking  to  overcome  their  addiction  and  as  such  there  is 

continuing risk to life.  

Swansea Bay University Health Board Response: 

For individuals  who are experience a mental health crisis, and not  currently under  Mental 

Health, or Secondary Care Services, there is the Single Point of Access (SPOA) on NHS 111 

option 2 for Mental Health Services. This is open to the general population of Wales on a 

24/7 basis. This call line is managed by health professionals, who will triage calls and direct 

as appropriate to ensure the right level of response and intervention is arranged. This would 

be the first point of assessment and intervention for any individuals in crisis. This Service was 

launched across Wales in June 2023.   

SBUHB recognises the need to improve current pathways and the culture surrounding the 

delivery of mental health support alongside addiction services. While the existing approach 

aligns with established best practices, often prioritising the stabilisation of substance use 

before  addressing  mental  health  needs,  we  acknowledge  that  this  model  may  not  be 

suitable for everyone, particularly for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. There 

is an increasing recognition of the importance of flexible, person-centred approaches that 

respond to the complexities of co-occurring conditions in a more integrated and timely way.  

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. 
We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. 

Cadeirydd/Chair: 

 Prif Weithredwr/Chief Executive: 

Pencadlys BIP Bae Abertawe, Un Porthfa Talbot, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR  
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Bae Abertawe yw enw gweithredu Bwrdd Iechyd Lleol Prifysgol Bae Abertawe 

Swansea Bay UHB Headquarters, One Talbot Gateway, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR 
Swansea Bay University Health Board is the operational name of Swansea Bay University Local Health Board 

 
 
 
 Following this inquest, associated learning and Regulation 28 concerns, further reflective 

and  learning  sessions  will  be  facilitated  throughout  May  2025,  to  ensure  the  respective 

findings, appropriate NICE guidance and best practice is embedded and sustained across 

psychiatric liaison, mental health and CDAT.  

For those patients with a diagnosis of EUPD who are eligible for secondary mental health 

care and therefore the SBUHB community personality disorder service (Dechrau Newydd), 

DBT is a comprehensive treatment approach whereby patients are allocated an individual 

therapist  (e.g.    weekly  1:1  sessions)  and  group  skills  session  (e.g.,  weekly,  lasting  2.5 

hours) with telephone coaching being available weekdays (office hours) to patients in crisis 

between sessions as agreed with the therapist, or skills coach.  

The primary care level of service, which is provided by the LPMHSS within SBUHB, offer a 

range  of  therapeutic  group  work  programmes  for  adults,  such  as  Emotional  Regulation 

Skills, and/or individual therapies as directed by the treating therapist which are focused on 

reducing the psychological difficulties associated with common mental health issues such 

as Anxiety, Depression, PTSD and OCD.  SBUHB (as across NHS Wales) provides free 

mental  health  and  wellbeing  programmes,  via  Silver  Cloud,  an  online  CBT  programme 

which people can self-refer to.  However, SBUHB acknowledges that the LPMHSS does 

not  currently  offer  specific  treatment  approaches for  EUPD,  such as  DBT  as  outlined  by 

NICE guidance.   

To progress the Co-occurring and Mental Health Strategy (2023–2026), SBUHB recognises 

the need to instigate local Operational Co-occurring Strategy meetings and re-engage with 

the  Regional  Area  Planning  Board  for  Substance  Use  and  Partnership  Board  to  explore 

further support following the receiving of the West Glamorgan  Drug Commission Report. 

These  meetings,  starting  in  May  2025,  will  be  critical  in  reviewing  current  practices, 

identifying gaps, and driving forward a more integrated and responsive approach to care. 

Key  areas  for  action  include  reviewing  and  aligning  mental  health  and  substance  use 

services to ensure individuals do not fall through the gaps while seeking treatment for either 

need, particularly during periods of crisis. The development of the SOP and Care pathway 

will achieve this. Strengthening partnerships between statutory Mental Health Services and 

Third-Sector  organisations  is  also  essential  to  improving  support  for  individuals  with  co-

occurring  conditions.  Additionally,  there  is  a  need  to  streamline  access  to  mental  health 

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. 
We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. 

Cadeirydd/Chair: 

 Prif Weithredwr/Chief Executive: 

Pencadlys BIP Bae Abertawe, Un Porthfa Talbot, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR  
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Bae Abertawe yw enw gweithredu Bwrdd Iechyd Lleol Prifysgol Bae Abertawe 

Swansea Bay UHB Headquarters, One Talbot Gateway, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR 
Swansea Bay University Health Board is the operational name of Swansea Bay University Local Health Board 

 
 
 
 care  for  individuals  actively  engaged  in  addiction  treatment,  enabling  timelier,  joined-up 

responses.  

SBUHB would like to provide assurance that where patients are suffering a Serious Mental 

Illness, NICE guidance around managing coexisting Serious Mental Illness and Addiction 

will be followed by incorporating the additional developments (as detailed above) which will 

improve the service provided to any patients under a Primary or Secondary Care.  

Yours sincerely, 

Chief Executive Officer 

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. 
We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. 

Cadeirydd/Chair: J

 Prif Weithredwr/Chief Executive: 

Pencadlys BIP Bae Abertawe, Un Porthfa Talbot, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR  
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Bae Abertawe yw enw gweithredu Bwrdd Iechyd Lleol Prifysgol Bae Abertawe 

Swansea Bay UHB Headquarters, One Talbot Gateway, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR 
Swansea Bay University Health Board is the operational name of Swansea Bay University Local Health Board

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