Troubled dad took his own life after escaping from mental health unit

-Credit: (Image: Irwin Mitchell)
-Credit: (Image: Irwin Mitchell)


The devastated partner of a troubled dad who died when he was hit by a train after escaping from a mental health unit is demanding answers about the circumstances around the tragedy and said: "I would hate for anyone else to go through what we are."

Nathan Cunliffe, a scaffolder from Warrington, was admitted to Austen ward at Hollins Park Hospital in the town on December 30, 2021. But a jury inquest earlier this year found 'insufficient risk assessment' of the garden at the hospital and 'inappropriate staff to patient ratio'.

During the evening of 11 January, 2022, Nathan, who had been known to mental health services since September 2018, absconded from the hospital by climbing over the eight foot garden fence. His body was found on the railway line between Hollins Park and Warrington Bank Quay. He was 28.

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He had been missing from his home for five days over Christmas 2021. He was found sleeping rough and was taken to A&E before being transferred to Hollins Park Hospital where he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Lauren Sayburn, 30, who is taking legal action against the hospital trust, spoke out about her ordeal to mark suicide prevention month. Lauren said: “It’s approaching three years since we lost Nathan but the pain we feel over his death still feels as raw as it did back then. I still struggle to think how our boys will have to grow up without him by their side helping them to navigate through life.

"When Nathan began struggling with his mental health, it was awful and I wanted him to get all the help he needed. I’ll never forget how I felt being told he had died. My whole world fell apart and life from that moment has never been the same nor will it be again.

"I know nothing will ever bring Nathan back, but I would hate for anyone else to go through what we are. I hope by raising awareness, if it helps one person, then Nathan’s death won’t have totally been in vain."

Nathan Cunliffe, 28, died after he was hit by a train -Credit:Irwin Mitchell
Nathan Cunliffe, 28, died after he was hit by a train -Credit:Irwin Mitchell

Ayse Ince, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell solicitors who are representing Lauren, said: “The past two-and-a-half years have been incredibly difficult for Lauren as she tries to come to terms with losing Nathan so tragically and suddenly.

“While the inquest found issues with the garden area at Hollins Park, Lauren continues to have a number of questions over what happened to Nathan and the care he received prior to his death.

"We’re determined to investigate Lauren’s concerns and provide her with the answers she deserves so all lessons possible can be learned to improve patient safety.

“People with mental health illnesses are some of the most vulnerable in society and should always receive the highest standard of care and support."

A statement from Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust said: "Our sincere condolences go out to the friends, family and loved ones of Mr Cunliffe following this tragic incident. The Trust fully investigated Mr Cunliffe’s care whilst an in-patient at Hollins Park Hospital and following his death, as previously reported, identified a number of areas where the service could be improved.

"Appropriate action has been taken to address these, including adding anti-climb fencing and reviewing care practices. We are unable to provide any further comment as we do not want to prejudice any claim against the Trust."