Essex: Lampard Inquiry hears of ex
- Colin Flatt, an 81-year-old former footballer, died after being discharged from a mental health unit, prompting an inquiry into mental health deaths in Essex.
- Families shared their distressing experiences, including Alan Oxton, whose father took his own life while under care, highlighting systemic failures.
- The inquiry aims to address these issues and improve mental health services, with commitments from health officials to support the process.
A public inquiry into mental health deaths in Essex has revealed troubling accounts from families affected by inadequate care. Colin Flatt, an 81-year-old former professional footballer, died after being discharged from a mental health unit, prompting his partner, Melanie Leahy, to advocate for the inquiry. She recounted the distressing conditions in which Flatt was found, highlighting systemic failures in mental health services. Leahy's son, Matthew, also died under NHS care, intensifying her resolve for accountability. The inquiry, held in Chelmsford, also featured testimonies from other families, including Alan Oxton, whose father took his own life in a mental health unit. Oxton expressed feelings of betrayal by the staff who assured him of his father's safety, only for him to succumb to suicide. His experience underscores the emotional toll and ongoing struggles faced by families seeking answers about their loved ones' deaths. Martha Gaskell shared her daughter's mental health struggles, emphasizing the lack of adequate care and support. Gaskell's frustration reflects a broader sentiment among families who feel unheard and neglected by the mental health system. The inquiry aims to address these grievances and improve future care. Paul Scott, chief executive of Essex Partnership University Trust, pledged to support the inquiry's efforts to provide clarity and answers to affected families. The inquiry is set to continue, with hopes of implementing necessary changes to prevent further tragedies in mental health care.