Patient Commits Suicide At St Catherine’s Mental Health Unit

By Ashlea McConnell

An inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a father of four at a Doncaster Hospital is scheduled to start on Monday 20 May and is listed for three days.

Frank Postle, 48, was admitted as an inpatient at St Catherine’s Mental Health Unit in January 2010 following a suicide attempt at his home in Armthorpe, Doncaster

He remained in the care of the Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust until 5 February 2010 when he went on a weekend home visit. On 7 February he made another suicide attempt and was readmitted to the Unit by the crisis team. Hospital staff found him dead in his room on February 11.
 
Medical lawyers from Irwin Mitchell are representing Frank’s family at the hearing taking place at Doncaster Coroner’s Court.

Their solicitor, Rachel Brown from the firm’s Sheffield office, said: “This has been an extremely difficult time for Mr Postle’s family who lost a loving father under very difficult circumstances.

“They hope that the inquest scheduled to start on Monday will provide answers to some of the many questions they have about the circumstances surrounding their father’s death in February 2010.”

For further information please contact the Irwin Mitchell press office on 01142744666. The family are not available for comment at this time.

Sometimes mental health professionals can fail in the duty of care. If you or a loved one has suffered due to professional or medical negligence we can help you to claim compensation. Visit our Mental Health Negligence Claims page for more information.