05/06/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/06/2022 05:59
The family of a man who died while detained in a mental health hospital have spoken of their hope that an inquest will provide them with answers regarding his death.
Alex Nova, previously known as Simon Cohen, was pronounced dead by paramedics around two hours after he was found unwell by staff at The Priory Group run Kneesworth House Hospital near Royston in Hertfordshire.
Simon had changed his name by deed poll to Alex Nova in 2016 but he was still known as Simon to family and friends.
He had been admitted to the hospital run by The Priory Group 11 days before his death. The 29-year-old, from Bushey, Hertfordshire, had been detained under the Mental Health Act after being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and a behavioural disorder.
Simon was admitted to the Wortham Ward at Kneesworth House Hospital on 16 June, 2017, from a NHS hospital. The referral had been made by the NHS.
Following Simon's death, his family, including mum Nozalie Shuter, instructed expert public law and human rights lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help secure answers and support them through the inquest process.
Approaching five years after Simon's death, an inquest is now due to be held.
At around 11.05am on 27 June, 2017, Simon went outside to have a cigarette and was seen with other patients and staff.
At about 2.30pm a fellow patient reported Simon was unwell. Staff declared a medical emergency and an ambulance was called at 3.05pm.
However, despite attempts to resuscitate him Simon sadly died just after 4.40pm.
Nozalie said: "It's almost impossible to find the words to describe the hurt and pain our family feel following Simon's death. He was loved by all his family and there's not a day goes by that we don't miss him and think about him.
"Simon had struggled with mental illness and we hoped that going into hospital would allow him to receive the care he needed.
"On the day we were told he'd died our lives changed forever. It's coming up to five years since that day and while time has moved on for people, it's stood still for our family. Trying to come to terms with his death has been made all the harder because of the many unanswered questions we have about what happened to Simon.
"I know the inquest and listening to the evidence as to why Simon died is going to be incredibly traumatic, but it's something I need to do to honour his memory."
An inquest into Simon's death is due to start at Huntingdon Town Hall on Monday, 9 May, and is expected to last five days.
Find out more about our expertise in supporting establishing answers for families with concerns about a loved one's care at our dedicated protecting your rights section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.