Family of man who took own life days after hospital visit call for action on NHS mental health services

The family of a man who took his own life days after being seen by a specialist NHS psychiatry service are calling for improvements to mental health services.

Tim Sweeting and his two sons

Tom Sweeting’s mental health deteriorated significantly in the weeks leading up to his death in August 2021.

The 51-year-old cameraman, who had previously worked for Sky News, Al Jazeera, and the BBC, was assessed and subsequently discharged by the Hounslow Liaison Psychiatry Service after going to West Middlesex Hospital A&E.

After he had been discharged, a junior doctor who had only started the job that month was tasked with undertaking telephone interviews with Mr Sweeting and his partner without immediate supervision.

A “serious incident report” later concluded the assessment was incomplete, resulting in a care plan that did not meet Mr Sweeting’s clinical needs or properly account for his risk to himself.

An inquest into the death concluded West London NHS Trust had missed the opportunity to obtain crucial information from his worried family.

Coroner Lydia Brown also noted poor communication from the Hounslow Liaison Psychiatry Service to Mr Sweeting’s GP surgery meant an intended prescription for antidepressant medication was not provided.

Mr Sweeting with his partner, Andrea Pavlicic, and children

His partner, Andrea Pavlicic, said: “Tom was a brilliant dad to our sons and partner to me. We had planned to get married, but it was cancelled during COVID lockdowns and we didn’t have the opportunity to re-book before he died.

“His suit and my wedding dress still hang together in my wardrobe. Our children and I will continue to miss him forever.

“In the weeks leading up to Tom’s death, his mental health was severely deteriorating, and I was very worried about him. Both Tom and I had spoken to several health professionals, including those at the Hounslow Liaison Psychiatry Service, but it felt like nothing was being done to help him.

Mr Sweeting was a news cameraman who previously worked for Sky News

“I just hope that those involved in mental health care can learn from what happened and make improvements so that this doesn’t happen to any other families in the future.”

Mr Sweeting was described by those who were closest to him as a fantastic son, father, friend, and partner.

A statement from West London NHS Trust said: “We offer our deepest condolences to the family of Mr Thomas Sweeting following his tragic death.

“We have carried out a serious incident review and identified areas where our care and treatment was not up to the standard we hold ourselves to. We hope his family are able to find some comfort knowing that changes have been made to make sure any incidents like this are preventable in the future.”

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.