THE mum of a man who took a fatal overdose three days after he was released from a mental health unit following an "inadequate" assessment has criticised an investigation's findings into the doctor involved.

Dr Mark James Fielding, a consultant psychiatrist at the Dova Unit in Barrow, was the subject of a fitness to practise probe by the General Medical Council in relation to the death of Justin Forsyte, 42.

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Mr Forsyte was found dead at his home in Schneider Road, Barrow, on July 15 2012 after taking an overdose of codeine.

He had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act but was released from the Dova Unit by Dr Fielding on July 12, who later admitted the decision was based on a "10 to 15 minute conversation with colleagues" and spending "only 30 minutes speaking to Justin".

Investigation outcome

The GMC recently completed an investigation into the case, which was instigated after a complaint was lodged against Dr Fielding by Mr Forsyte's parents three-and-a-half years ago.

The fitness to practise probe's outcome has been to offer Dr Fielding "undertakings", which mean he will need to comply with a set of criteria such as coming up with a plan to improve his "deficiencies" in five areas: assessment, clinical management, record keeping, relationships with patients and working with colleagues.

'Avoidable death'

Diane Williams, Mr Forsyte's mother, said the decision by the GMC did not go far enough.

She said: "I am convinced that the GMC did a thorough investigation but the outcome was extremely disappointing and not, in my opinion, appropriate for such a serious breach of duty to care.

"Clearly, despite my endeavours, the coroner's concerns, and the trust's promises, little has changed. We have the same doctor, with the same deficiencies working in the same hospital.

"More importantly, does this town, or any other, need a psychiatrist who cannot assess risk, complete paperwork, get on with patients or colleagues?

"It is my view that he should not be allowed to practise. I was hoping he would be struck off - it would have been the only outcome that would be acceptable to me.

"I will never forgive him for what I consider the avoidable death of my son."

Mr Forsyte was detained under the Mental Health Act on July 9 2012 and was admitted to the Dova Unit, which is based in the grounds of Furness General Hospital.

Prior to his death, Mr Forsyte had attempted suicide twice and had become ill following a relationship breakdown.

Inadequate assessment

Three days after admission, Dr Fielding overturned the detention, discharging him to the crisis resolution and home treatment team.

An expert commissioned by the GMC found in making this decision Dr Fielding "did not adequately assess Justin's mental health problem and risks; relied excessively on the views of junior staff; and had not fully determined the background history available from care records, Justin's GP, family and friends".

The expert's report also states: "Even in the medical discharge summary which was completed after Mr Forsyte's death, there were significant inaccuracies, such as that Mr Forsyte had no previous suicide attempts or self-harm, which gives the impression that Dr Fielding was not aware of crucial details of the case."

However, the expert ruled his practice did not fall below the standard of a reasonably competent consultant psychiatrist to the degree that would affect his registration; it was instead found that extra measures and plans to improve performance in the form of mutually accepted '"undertakings" were the best way to protect patients.

Trust response

Dr Fielding's employer, Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, issued an unreserved apology for failings in the case at the time.

Dr Andrew Brittlebank, medical director for Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Patient safety is always our overriding priority and following our investigation in 2012 it was noted that, as well as our processes not being robust as they should have been, there were shortcomings in Dr Fielding's assessment of this patient.

"As part of the process the case was referred to the General Medical Council which led to some conditions being applied to his practice in 2013.

"The trust has supported Dr Fielding through this process and since 2013 a number of those conditions have been removed and the improvements that have been made mean that Dr Fielding is now in a position to voluntarily agree to some restrictions to his practice.

"As a responsible employer of medical practitioners we always follow the GMC's requirements with respect to the supervision of any doctor's practice.

"During the past four years Dr Fielding has undergone a very detailed assessment by GMC clinical experts which includes assessments under exam conditions and the GMC has recognised that his practice has improved and we as a trust support this view.

"Dr Fielding is a valued member of the trust and we are confident in his ability to carry out his role and support his patients."

Mrs Williams has also voiced concern about not having updates from the person charged by the trust to keep her informed.

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