Law firm Fieldfisher has been instructed by Justin and Joanne Werb to represent them at the inquest into the death of their son, George, who passed away on 28 June 2013, whilst under the care of The Priory Hospital in Southampton. The inquest is to commence on 06 October 2014 at Devon County Hall.
George, aged 15, was admitted to The Priory Hospital, Southampton, on 23 May 2014 suffering from depression. Prior to George's admission he had been treated at The Huntercombe Hospital in Maidenhead where he had, in particular been concerned over the medication he was being prescribed. George held delusional beliefs that in particular, the medication he was given, was giving him adverse side effects.
On 24 May 2013, the day after being admitted to The Priory, George was placed on 1:1 observations. Over the course of the following weeks his observations were reduced and his medication regime increased and on 27 June 2013 George was prescribed the anti-depressant Fluoxetine for the first time at The Priory. George previously held delusional beliefs about his medication whilst being treated. Within a couple of hours of being given the drug, and without a risk assessment being conducted as to whether or not George might react to the drug, he was allowed out on home leave.
In the early hours of 28 June 2013 George left the family home, walked to the local railway line, and stepped in front of a train. His father, Justin, discovered the body.
An inquest was opened into the circumstances of George's death, and is due to commence on 06 October 2014, listed for 2 days at Devon County Hall. A Serious Case Review has been commissioned into George's death and treatment.
In advance of the inquest, Mr and Mrs Werb commented: “Losing George is an unimaginable loss to our family, our pain is beyond expression”. “To lose our son who had so much more to accomplish and live for is totally heart-breaking”.
The family's solicitor, Mark Bowman, partner at Fieldfisher, commented:
"This is a deeply tragic case and I welcome, on behalf of George's family, the opportunity to question those responsible for his care and treatment in the lead up to his death".