Failings That Led to Dad's Death Health and Social Work Chiefs Under Fire After Killing
Posted on: Wednesday, 22 March 2006, 21:00 CST
A DAMNING report today condemned a catalogue of failings that led to a dad being bludgeoned to death in a Glasgow park by a man with a history of mental problems.
Father-of-three Stuart Robertson was killed by James Smith, 46, just 11 months after the thug was freed from the city's Leverndale Hospital, where a court had ordered him to be detained without limit of time following a conviction for assault in 1997.
Today, a report found there was no systematic approach to risk assessment and too little clarity over who should take key decisions.
There was a also failure to respond adequately to clear signs that Smith's mental illness had relapsed while he was in the care of community-based mental health services.
The report, by the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland, calls for a series of changes, all of which have been accepted by the Scottish Executive, NHS Greater Glasgow and social work chiefs in Glasgow.
First Minister Jack McConnell had ordered the commission to investigate when Smith, who had mental problems since 1991, was sent to Carstairs State Hospital after admitting the culpable homicide of Mr Robertson, 37, by killing him with a hammer in Pollok Park in October 2004.
The commission's report found "clear indications" from several sources that Smith's condition had relapsed in 2004.
Responding to the report, the Executive, Glasgow City Council and NHS Greater Glasgow, in a joint statement, said: "We will take steps to address the deficiencies identified.
"This requires systemic and cultural change."
Changes will include a requirement for a formal risk assessment and management plan to be in place before considering unescorted leave for restricted patients.
The assessment should state the risk level posed by the patient, along with risk factors particular to that patient.
Social work bosses are being told all restricted patients under supervision in the community should have a designated social worker accredited as a mental health officer.
Source: Evening Times; Glasgow (UK)
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