News

Coroner raises concerns after much loved dad dies three weeks after being discharged from crisis health team

Published

2 years ago

July 13, 2022

A CORONER has raised concerns after a local 21-year-old dad was found dead by his father only three weeks after being discharged from the crisis mental health team.

In the early hours of March 27, 2019, Kieran Crimmins’ body was discovered close to his family’s house in Milford Haven.

Mr. Crimmins had been discharged from the Hywel Dda Crisis team three weeks prior, on March 5, despite displaying “maladaptive coping mechanisms” and repeatedly threatening to take his own life.

Paul Bennett, a senior coroner for Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, questioned whether it was wise to complete a multi-agency referral form (MARF) over the phone, whether there were “inconsistencies” in the manual diary system the Hywel Dda mental health team used to keep records, and whether there were “no effective means” of monitoring Kieran’s mental health after his release.

Following a four-day inquest into the events leading to Kieran’s death, Mr. Bennett will now decide whether to make a Regulation 28 Prevention of Future Deaths Report (PFD), which would force Hywel Dda health board to rectify any potential weaknesses

Since he was a young child, Kieran had been under the supervision of the Hywel Dda Health Board’s mental health services and had frequently sought help at Withybush hospital.

Speaking after the inquest had concluded, his family said: “He was funny, entertaining, and an empathetic young man. He would brighten any room and would help anyone who asked, wanting nothing in return.”

However, beneath Kieran’s cheerful exterior was “a deeply troubled soul.” The inquiry learned that during his brief life, he experienced serious trauma, including the deaths of numerous dear friends and family members.

According to psychological testimony given at the inquest, his inadequate coping skills and pre-existing special educational needs made it difficult for him to handle the severe swings in his mental health.

His family were his “protective” measures when things got tough.

Acting for Kieran’s family, Ben Blakemore said: “Kieran and his family did not feel listened to or recognised when begging for the intervention that it is clear, and hindsight shows, he desperately needed.”

He was engaged with the Dyfed Drugs and Alcohol Service, and an inquiry into a drug-related driving offence was pending at the time of his death (DDAS).

Several witnesses, including those responsible for Kieran’s care and treatment for the Hywel Dda health board, testified in front of Mr. Bennett.

A crisis team practitioner with the Hywel Dda University Health Board pushed hard for Kieran to be admitted to the hospital on February 27, 2019, one month before he passed away, after he tried to end his life by overdosing on drugs.

Dr David Sheppard interviewed Kieran at the time, who kept referring to suicidal thoughts and made several references to taking his own life.

Dr. Sheppard requested that a hospital bed be found for him that night in a conversation with Hywel Dda duty manager Donna Phillips, but Mrs. Phillips informed him that there were no beds available.

Following that, Mr. Crimmins was offered the choice of staying at Withybush A&E or going back home with his parents. He made the decision to go home.

He returned to hospital the following day and was assured the Crisis team would visit him on a daily basis for the next two weeks. On March 1, a team member paid him a visit, and on March 2, he got a call from them, which is when the MARF referral happened.

Kieran saw no one on March 3 or March 4. Despite going missing twice during that time and being located by police on one of those times, it was decided on March 5 that he should be released from their service.

Despite communication with DDAS and Hywel Dda’s integrated psychological therapies programme, Mr. Blakemore claimed that Kieran was “essentially left to his own devices.” Mr Bennett added: “I have some concerns around the decision making process.”

Three weeks later, on March 26, Kieran sent his former girlfriend and a friend of his each a message that raised concerns. When his parents learned that their son had left the house, they called the police and started looking for him.

Just after midnight, his father discovered his body. Despite paramedics’ best efforts to revive him with CPR and a defibrillator they had brought to the scene, Kieran was pronounced dead upon being taken to Withybush.

His sister, Katie Crimmins, who was only 18 when she learned that her older brother Kieran had passed away, claimed that hospital workers failed to provide any assistance to the family, leaving them to cope with the unbearable loss on their own.

Kieran, who had only recently become a father and was an avid fisherman and DJ, had long battled mental health problems including depression and PTSD.

His family claimed he struggled to receive the professional help he required. The transition of his care from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to adult mental health services allegedly ran into more issues.

As a result of the cell phone interaction, Mr. Bennett came to the conclusion that Kieran died by suicide as there was “sufficient evidence of Kieran’s intent to end his life and of him taking the steps to do so”. He added that he died of asphyxiation due to self-suspension.

He added: “A decision was taken not to refer to the Community Mental Health Team for ongoing monitoring of his mental health and care co-ordination following his discharge from the Crisis and Home Treatment Team on March 5 due to the fact that he was receiving support from the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service and the Independent Psychological Therapy Service.”

After the inquest was over, Mr. Blakemore, who represented his family, released a statement saying: “Mental Health Service provision in Pembrokeshire and the wider Hywel Dda Health Board is long overdue a review so as to ensure that individuals do not believe that suicide is the only option they have. Kieran’s family has pursued change through this inquest forum, and hope it will follow.

“Kieran’s death must not be allowed to be just another statistic. Change is needed to avoid more people with vulnerabilities and thoughts such as those Kieran suffered from losing their life, and more families going through this hollow hell.”

Mr Blakemore urged Mr Bennett to consider making a Regulation 28 PFD report. Luke Garrett, representing Hywel Dda health board, made a submission that the matters raised by the coroner “will be considered” and that the use of the diary system would be “reviewed and strengthened” and the health board would “endeavour to provide information on MARFs on a face-to-face basis”.

Mr Bennett agreed to “give the matter due consideration” and will issue his decision within the next few days.

He closed proceedings by expressing his condolences to Kieran’s family and commending them for the “way they conducted themselves” throughout.

He added: “I’m sure there’s not much I can really add to the expressions of sympathy already shown.”

Kieran’s family also thanked the support they’d received from 2Wish and Get the Boys a Lift, and stated that without it, they would have been left “without any support at all at what has been the most horrific time of their lives”.

Charity

Shalom House adapts to community needs amid financial struggles

Published

4 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A HOSPICE in St Davids is finding new ways to support the community after financial challenges forced changes to its operations. Shalom House, a well-loved facility on Nun Street, has shifted its focus in recent years, balancing healthcare provision with its founding mission.

Established in 2007, Shalom House was originally designed as a five-bed hospice offering respite and palliative care. Its creation was made possible by the donation of the property from Elizabeth de Guise, a novelist with a deep connection to Pembrokeshire. However, rising costs and funding shortfalls have led to significant changes in how the hospice operates.

In late October, the closure of St Davids Surgery prompted Shalom House to repurpose two of its rooms for use by a branch surgery. The facility is now home to a service staffed by practice nurses under Hywel Dda Health Board, ensuring local residents continue to have access to healthcare.

Balancing priorities

While the move has been welcomed by many in the area, it has come at a cost. Shalom House now operates with three respite beds instead of five, a change that has sparked concern among some supporters.

“We had to make a difficult decision,” a spokesperson for the hospice said. “Our primary goal is to serve the community, and this arrangement allows us to do so in multiple ways. The branch surgery provides vital medical care while helping us generate income to keep Shalom House open.”

The hospice continues to offer day-care services to several patients each week, with additional respite care provided as resources allow. Trustees are optimistic that full capacity can be restored in the future, depending on funding.

Community campaign brings hope

Despite the challenges, Shalom House has received overwhelming support from the Pembrokeshire community. A recent campaign, “Save Shalom,” has seen donations increase dramatically, offering a glimmer of hope for the hospice’s long-term future.

Local resident and campaign volunteer, Jenny Williams, said: “Shalom House means so much to so many people. It’s more than a building—it’s a lifeline for families across the county. We’re determined to do everything we can to keep it running.”

Looking ahead

The trustees are exploring new ways to raise funds and expand services, with plans to launch a series of community events next year. They have also expressed gratitude for the continued generosity of local residents, whose donations remain crucial.

“Shalom House has always been about Pembrokeshire’s people,” said the spokesperson. “Every penny donated helps us provide care and support to those who need it most. We’re confident that, with the community behind us, we can overcome these challenges.”

For more information about Shalom House or to make a donation, visit www.shalomstdavids.org.

Entertainment

A Christmas spectacular at St Davids Cathedral delights audience

Published

4 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CHRISTMAS celebration of music and song enthralled audiences at St Davids Cathedral on Saturday (Dec 14), as the St Davids Cathedral Choir and Vox Angelica presented A Christmas Spectacular. The event, which began at 7:00pm, offered a festive evening of performances set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of one of Wales’ most iconic landmarks.

The concert featured the talented harpist Bethan Semmens, who captivated listeners with her intricate and emotive playing. A Cardiff native, Semmens studied at the Royal College of Music and has performed at prestigious events across the UK and internationally. Her contributions to the evening brought an enchanting touch to the programme.

The night was packed with beloved seasonal pieces, showcasing both choral and soloist performances. Highlights included the timeless Good King Wenceslas, Winter Wonderland, and festive classics such as The Twelve Days of Christmas. The Cathedral Choir delivered stirring renditions under the vaulted ceilings, with carols and arrangements that beautifully resonated throughout the space.

Special moments featured solos by Harriet Pearce and Sophie Cooke, who lent their voices to favourites like There Is No Rose and Balulalow. The audience was further treated to a moving arrangement of A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, performed in harmony with Bethan Semmens’ harp accompaniment.

A medley of carols encouraged audience participation, culminating in a joyful and spirited atmosphere. Families, friends, and visitors joined their voices for classics that brought warmth and festivity to the wintry evening.

The performance concluded with an uplifting recessional, leaving attendees with a sense of seasonal cheer. The Cathedral, adorned with Christmas trees and lights, provided the perfect setting for what many described as an unforgettable musical experience.

The Herald understands that A Christmas Spectacular was a resounding success, with plans already underway for next year’s event.

News

Greyhound racing in Wales: Future hangs in balance as decision delayed until 2025

Published

4 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’S decision to postpone a ruling on the future of greyhound racing until 2025 has sparked mixed reactions, with animal welfare groups voicing disappointment and industry representatives welcoming the extended timeline for discussion.

Welfare groups demand urgent action

Animal welfare organisations, including Dogs Trust, RSPCA Cymru, Blue Cross, Greyhound Rescue Wales, and Hope Rescue, have expressed dismay at the delay. The coalition, known as Cut the Chase, has long advocated for an end to greyhound racing in Wales, calling the postponement a missed opportunity to prevent further harm.

Their concerns mirror recent developments in New Zealand, where greyhound racing will be banned by August 2026 due to concerns over injuries and fatalities. Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, stated:
“The call to end greyhound racing in Wales has received overwhelming support from the animal welfare community, Members of the Senedd, and the public, with over 35,000 people signing a petition demanding change.

“It is unacceptable that so many dogs die or are seriously injured every year, all in the name of entertainment. Wales now stands alongside only a handful of countries, including England and Scotland, where this outdated and inhumane practice persists. The Welsh Government must take the only meaningful action to stop this cruelty: end greyhound racing once and for all.”

Public supports a phased ban

A consultation conducted by the Welsh Government revealed that 64.69% of respondents supported a phased ban on greyhound racing. Despite this, officials have opted to extend deliberations, with a final decision now expected in 2025.

Animal welfare groups highlighted troubling figures from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), which reported 359 racing greyhound deaths and 4,238 injuries in 2023 – a 47% increase in fatalities compared to the previous year. Concerns extend to off-track welfare, including reports of poor living conditions, inadequate nutrition, and lack of enrichment for retired greyhounds.

Industry defends its welfare standards

The GBGB has countered criticism by emphasizing welfare improvements at licensed tracks such as Valley Stadium in Wales. Mark Bird, GBGB Chief Executive, said:
“Valley Stadium’s licensing has brought significant welfare improvements, overseen by expert veterinarians and our national network of professionals. Racing greyhounds receive more oversight and protection than many pet dogs across Wales.

“We remain committed to working with the Welsh Government to promote and protect greyhound welfare through effective and proportionate regulation.”

Broader calls for change

The debate in Wales reflects a growing movement to end greyhound racing across the UK and beyond. In Scotland, a Proposed Prohibition of Greyhound Racing Bill aims to outlaw the sport, while New Zealand has committed to a ban, citing ethical concerns.

Decision delayed but debate intensifies

The Welsh Government has emphasized the need for thorough consideration before making a final decision. However, the delay has intensified divisions, with animal welfare groups urging an outright ban and the industry advocating for improved regulation as a viable alternative.

A final verdict is not expected until 2025, leaving the future of the sport – and the welfare of thousands of greyhounds – uncertain.