Lancs hospital bosses investigating 'distressing' incident after man's tragic death in A&E toilets

Jamie Pearson battled with his mental health
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Bosses at Blackpool Victoria Hospital are investigating a "tragic and distressing" incident after a man took his own life in the toilets of A&E.

Jamie Pearson was found in the toilets of the Accident and Emergency department of the hospital on Friday, August 16. The 27-year-old had been battling with mental health struggles when he made the decision to enter the toilets on the ward.

Following the news, Blackpool Victoria Hospital said they were investigating the circumstances and colleagues as well as Jamie's family are being supported by the Trust. Marie Forshaw, Acting Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health Professionals and Quality at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, said: "The Trust, together with our colleagues at Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust, is investigating a tragic and distressing incident which occurred in A&E at Blackpool Victoria Hospital last month.

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"The coroner has been informed and for this reason it feels inappropriate to give any more details, other than the family and colleagues involved are being supported by the Trust as you would expect."

Jamie's old neighbour Max Fox has now set up a Go Fund Me page to raise money for the funeral and to support Jamie's mum, Julie. He said he has some "frustrations" over the circumstances and believes more should be done to support patients struggling with their mental health.

Jamie took his own life in Blackpool Hospital
Jamie took his own life in Blackpool Hospital

He told LancsLive: "They weren't treating the root cause which was actually his mental health. Then he chose to end his life. I think there should be more processes in place for the NHS to treat multiple issues. There should be mental health assessments in A&E on entry, not putting them in a ward and people with suicidal thoughts in a ward for two days and thinking they'll be safe, they're not safe, they're at a very high risk."

On the page, Max wrote: "The pain of losing a child is something no parent should ever have to endure, and it has left Julie heartbroken and overwhelmed.

"Jamie was a kind and gentle soul who brought joy to everyone around him. He had a unique ability to make people laugh and feel loved, even during his own struggles. Jamie was deeply loved by his family and friends, and his sudden passing has left a void that can never be filled.

"In addition to the emotional toll of this tragedy, Julie is now faced with the unexpected financial burden of funeral expenses. As a single mother with limited resources, she was not prepared for this devastating loss. Julie does not have the savings to cover the costs of giving Jamie the dignified farewell he deserves.

"I am reaching out to our community to ask for help in raising the funds needed to cover Jamie’s funeral and burial expenses. Every donation, no matter the amount, will go directly to Julie to help ease the financial strain during this incredibly difficult time."

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