Health workers sacked after failing to check on patient who was found dead on beach

Two health workers have been sacked after failing to carry out checks on a mentally ill patient who absconded from a recovery unit and was later found dead on a beach.

John Howes absence at Park House, a rehabilitation and recovery unit in Middlesbrough, went unnoticed for more than three hours due to staff failings, an inquest heard.

The 58-year-old should have been checked on every hour while at the Park Road North facility.

On the day of his disappearance he was recorded three times as having been present - when in fact he had left.

An inquest into Mr Howes death at Teesside Coroners Court heard that routine welfare checks are carried out to account for patients whereabouts.

But the hearing heard that assumptions were made by staff who believed they had seen Mr Howe on May 4 last year.

On three occasions that afternoon, Mr Howe was incorrectly recorded as being present.

His absence wasnt noticed until 7pm - three-and-a-half hours after he had actually left the building - which is when staff reported him missing to police.

Mr Howe was found dead on Skinningrove beach the next day.

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Health workers sacked after failing to check on patient who was found dead on beach