A man’s death on a mental health unit in Blackburn could have been prevented

A coroner has found that a psychiatric hospital could have prevented the death of a man who died after refusing treatment and food.

Kevin Ince was detained under the Mental Health Act at Kemple View Hospital in Langho, Blackburn, last year.

The 55-year-old died from heart failure related to vaping-related lung injuries on October 25, 2023, at the Royal Blackburn Hospital, an inquest heard.

District coroner Christopher Long said The Priory Group, which runs the 90-bed mental health unit at Kemple View, had not done enough to persuade Mr Ince to get the appropriate treatment he needed for his condition.

Long, District Coroner for Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, published a report: report on preventing future deaths.

The report raised concerns about evidence of Mr Ince’s “regular refusal of necessary and appropriate treatment” and “inadequate action taken where he routinely refused to eat for extended periods” while in custody under the Mental Health Act 1983 .

The coroner said Ince rang the bell to inform Kemple View staff that he was unwell on October 24, 2023.

The staff noticed that he was short of breath and panting, so he was given oxygen until the ambulance arrived.

Ince was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where he continued to be given oxygen.

He underwent a number of diagnostic tests in the hospital, but his condition worsened and he did not recover.

Long said Ince died of heart failure related to lung injuries caused by using e-cigarettes.

Long said: “During the course of the investigation, evidence revealed issues of concern.

“In my opinion there is a risk that there could be deaths in the future if action is not taken.”

A hospital spokesman said: “We would like to reiterate our sincere condolences to Mr Ince’s family for their loss.

“We strive to support patients in the least restrictive way possible, in line with the legal framework. This includes enabling patients to remain independent and make informed decisions for themselves, including on issues such as food preferences and vaping, as an integral part of good mental health care.

“In light of this case, we have reviewed and improved our processes to provide greater support to staff with a documented approach when a patient refuses medical examinations and a nutritional diet, while carefully balancing this complex area.”

The Priory Group has until January 14, 2025 to respond to the Long report, which must include details of any action taken or proposed, or an explanation of why no action has been proposed.

A report has also been sent to Mr Ince’s family, Sabden and Whalley Medical Group and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).