Before HM Assistant Coroner for Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot,
Mrs Kirsten Heaven
Swansea Coroner's Court
The Guildhall, Swansea, SA1 4PE
Dr Nicholas Kim Harrison (Kim) tragically died on 9 April 2022 after succumbing to his injuries sustained a month previously. He had been assaulted by his son who was suffering a severe psychotic illness and had been formally detained under the Mental Health Act before absconding from Ward F Neath Port Talbot Hospital, less than an hour before the assault.
Kim was a renowned and respected consultant chest physician. He was instrumental to the provision of respiratory services at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, having worked closely with colleagues to set up its Respiratory Unit. He had only recently retired.
Over the two years prior to Kim's death, he and his wife Jane had significant contact with Swansea Bay mental health services. They repeatedly raised concerns about their son's presentation, his deteriorating mental health, the risks that he posed to himself and others, and sought advice and assistance for him. The family feels that their concerns and requests for assistance were not effectively addressed.
The inquest into Kim's death opened on 4 December 2023 and was adjourned on 14 December 2023 because a material witness was unavailable due to sickness. The inquest reconvenes on Thursday 4 April 2024 to hear the evidence of Associate Nurse Director Stephen Jones, the treating Community Consultant Psychiatrist Professor Donnelly (Responsible Clinician), and Expert Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Professor Shaw.
The evidence will conclude on Friday 5 April 2024. HM Assistant Coroner Mrs Heaven will deliver her conclusion on the morning of Monday 15 April 2024.
The family are represented by Associate Solicitor Joanna Bennett of Bindmans, and Counsel Bridget Dolan KC of Serjeants' Inn Chambers.
Other Interested Persons represented are Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea County Council and South Wales Police.
For further information, interview requests and to note your interest, please contact press@bindmans.com.