Coroner warns of risk of future deaths at mental health unit where patient was killed
Hugo Flint-Cahan, 34, was fatally attacked by Rolando Torres-Pena, 22, at a mental health trust in east London.
A mental health trust in east London, Newham Mental Health Centre, has been warned that further deaths may occur unless staff issues are addressed following the death of patient Hugo Flint Cahan in January 2023. The 34-year-old was strangled by fellow patient Rolando Torres-Pena, who was given a hospital order with no time limit in 2023 after pleading guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility.
A coroner's report highlights 14 concerns, including failing to carry out timely and thorough observations of patients, falsifying records, and delays in starting CPR on Cahan. The coroner also found that staff misled the police about the events of the night and colluded to take unauthorized breaks. The report notes that similar failings were raised in a previous 2021 inquest, and that remedial measures reported in that case do not seem to have been effectively implemented.
The family of Hugo Cahan's solicitor expressed disappointment at the lack of accountability, while Dr David Bridle, Chief Medical Officer for East London NHS Foundation Trust, apologized to Cahan's family and stated that one staff member has been sacked and four others are under investigation. The trusts have until November 19 to respond.
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