M ental I llness C oncerns A ll	Gallagher drank heavily. His wife left him with the two children, going to the home of her mother. What led up to this break up is not revealed or explained. Gallagher was involved in two overdoses, one of which is recorded as using paroxetine ( an ssri; fluoxetine ); writing a suicide note, but then also telephoning his intention. He was admitted for this to a mental health Unit, staying for two weeks, Soon after G. trashed his house whilst drunk, and for this was arrested , brought before the magistrates the next day, bound over to keep peace. He presented himself at the A&E the same afternoon, convincing the liaison staff and the crisis community team representative, that he should be looked after for a while. He was readmitted for a less dangerous overdosage attempt, admitted only because a hostel placement arranged by the crisis team social worker failed to be funded. That seems to have been how the in-patient situation was not handled as a 'proper' admission, but as either an extension of the previous admission or just a temporary alternative holding situation - another non serious overdose consequence. [ A matter worthy of remark - admission ward 70% ocupancy !!! ] The social worker from the community team, is clear that he passed on threats to attack and stab the wife, particularly if she had another man in her life, but these are not noted in the psychiatric or nursing notes, nor do they lead to a reassessment of any risk, and indeed the Inquiry Report thinks the threat was not taken seriously enough, being put down to 'in drink ' although it is clear the threat was repeated when sober. Ordinary expected practice was that a 'co-ordination' meeting would be held . In attendance would be the Consultant, a very busy lead, and appropriate nursing. It was not held on this occasion. Nor was the protocol for the Tidal method of nursing review, in use at the time, followed on this second admission occasion. The Inquiry notes that it could and should have been noted that the threats to harm the wife were repeated when he was sober and clear in mind, and that they represented high risk rather than the low risk view taken at the time. Gallagher never attended an alcohol treatment service that was offered. It is not clear whether or not the wife - the victim - was ever informed, or had the opportunity to discuss the nature and level of the threats made against her. The Inquiry report comments on the lack of discussion with her, and the lack of any look at the background to the separation and current state of the relationship Comment ; Gallagher back to Inquiry List back to Home page.   back to Inquiry Link page       E-mail reaction is welcome mica@didgy.freeserve.co.uk