Patient dies after fleeing Kettering hospital and falling into oven

On September 7, 2024, a vulnerable patient named Craig Smith died at Kettering General Hospital after absconding from a ward. He had been admitted to Clifford Ward, a medical short stay unit, two days prior on September 5. Hospital staff conducted a thorough search for Mr. Smith, which included checking his home address, but he was not found until early the next morning. The inquest revealed that Mr. Smith had fallen through the roof of the catering department, landing inside a large catering oven. The discovery of his body occurred just after 4 am, when investigators found a hole in the roof. The circumstances surrounding his escape and subsequent fall raised concerns about the safety and security measures in place for vulnerable patients. No provisional cause of death was provided during the inquest, although toxicology and histology tests were ordered to determine the exact circumstances leading to his death. The senior coroner, Anne Pember, noted the extreme vulnerability of Mr. Smith, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring of patients in similar situations. The inquest has been adjourned until March 20 of the following year, allowing time for further investigation. Northamptonshire Police have stated that they do not consider the death suspicious, indicating that the incident was likely an unfortunate accident rather than a result of foul play.