Family calls for improvements to police searches after two year hunt for father's body
Peter Brown, from Whitby, died by suicide in May 2019
The family of a father whose body was found nearly two years after he went missing have called for improvements to police searches and hospital treatments.
Peter Brown died by suicide in May 2019, but his body wasn't found until January 2021, 20 months later.
The 46-year-old was being treated at Cross Lane Hospital in Scarborough for mental health conditions including depression and anxiety and was allowed to leave his ward on May 8th 2019.
When he didn't return at the agreed time, he was reported missing to North Yorkshire Police.
Nearly two years later, his body was found in thick undergrowth near a railway track in Scarborough.
An inquest into his death heard police had decided not to search because they had seen no signs of entry.
The family’s solicitor Rhiannon Davies said: “Pete was clearly a vulnerable man who, due to his mental health issues, was at high risk to himself.
"His family spoke to hospital staff and voiced their concerns when his condition declined, but despite this, he was allowed to leave the ward, and tragically, lost his life.
“Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust must take steps to ensure that sufficient measures are put in place to mitigate the risk of patients coming to serious harm or death, when they are allowed to leave hospital temporarily.
"Pete’s family are deeply concerned that similar harm could come to other mental health patients if lessons are not learned.”
In response, the hospital trust said it's hearts go out to Peter's family, and it has taken steps to areas they could improve after a review of his care and treatment.
Zoe Campbell, managing director of the North Yorkshire, York and Selby care group at the Trust, said: “While these did not contribute to his death, we continue to ensure that these are embedded in our services to make sure we are providing the best possible care to the people we support.”
DCC Mabs Hussain, from North Yorkshire Police, added: “I would like to extend my condolences to Mr Brown's family and friends, and all those affected by this tragic incident.
“It is important to emphasise that our response at the time was proportionate and appropriate, given the information available to us.
"As with any incident, we will always look to reflect on and learn from the outcome, so we can continue to provide an effective service to the public."