HEALTHCARE staff have been urged to take action following the death of a prisoner who stopped eating while on remand.
Surendrakumar Patel, 78, from Warwickshire, died at Alexandra Hospital on October 31, 2024, while he was on remand at HMP Hewell.
An inquest heard Mr Patel had been suffering from a lower respiratory tract infection after starving himself.
The coroner found Mr Patel died from natural causes contributed to by self-neglect through malnutrition.
However, the coroner highlighted several concerns in a prevention of future deaths report, including that healthcare staff “lacked awareness” of the food refusal policy.
This included a failure to recognise the need for a mental capacity assessment as soon as Mr Patel began refusing food.
It also stated there had been a “failure to consider and advocate for family contact."
HM assistant coroner for Worcestershire James Puzey said prison staff failed to inform the next of kin of the prisoner’s decision to refuse food and fluids.
Mr Puzey said in the report: “In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths, and you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action.”
The hearing investigated the circumstances surrounding Mr Patel's death, after it was reported that he had attempted to end his life and had stopped eating between October 21 and October 26.
The report was sent to Practice Plus Group, who are the healthcare providers at the prison, and Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, who are an integrated NHS provider delivering mental health services and physical care.
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust said it was reviewing the findings.
A spokesperson said: “Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) has received a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) report following an inquest into the death of Mr Patel.
“MPFT takes all matters of concern relating to care and treatment with the utmost seriousness and work is now taking place to review the coroner’s report and implement appropriate action within the specified timeframe.
“Our thoughts remain with those impacted by this incident.”
Practice Plus Group said the case had been investigated and that lessons had been learned.
A spokesperson said: “Mr Patel’s tragic death from natural causes, contributed to by self-neglect through malnutrition, has been fully investigated and, as the inquest heard, overall, the care provided and offered to Mr Patel was good.
“Any learnings have already been identified and addressed, and we remain committed to providing high-quality healthcare to patients within the prison, including improving patients’ engagement with healthcare.”
Both organisations have until May 5, 2026, to respond formally to the report, setting out what action has been taken or is proposed to prevent similar deaths in the future.
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