Absconding from hospital by mental patients

Abstract

This paper reviews and comments on the recent case of Ellame Ford-Dunn, who caused her own death after being allowed to abscond from hospital. It then discusses some important issues relating to the case and makes some helpful suggestions that will help prevent or reduce the incidence of absconding from hospitals, especially, where compulsorily detained patients are concerned. This paper shows the need for effective measures to be taken to prevent mental patients from absconding from hospital because absconding can result in serious consequences for the absconder, etc. The paper has the following parts: (a) facts and decision, (b) the meaning of absconding, (c) consequences of absconding from hospital, (d) the civil law ramifications of the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust’s defective policy regarding absconders and consequent breach of duty under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and (e) recommendations.