Patient died of natural causes, coroner finds

David Roberts had been a patient at Broadmoor Hospital since 2018

A patient at a high security psychiatric hospital who collapsed in his room while under staff observation died from natural causes, a coroner concluded.

David Roberts, 58, was a patient at Broadmoor Hospital in Crowthorne, Berkshire, and staff were frequently checking on him after he was sick multiple times on 10 June 2024. He died there early the next day.

Mr Roberts, who had schizophrenia, had been treated at the hospital since 2018 and had been detained since 1991.

Coroner Heidi Connor found Mr Roberts died from the impact of pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes and morbid obesity.

Mr Roberts' family said they was concerned about an observation system which West London NHS Trust staff used to monitor him in his room.

Oxehealth uses infrared illumination and an optical sensor to assess patients and can, for example, measure their pulse and breathing rate.

Staff said they noted Mr Roberts' heart rate was low through their own observations and had taken action to transfer him to Wexham Park Hospital in Slough for further treatment on the night of 10 June.

Robert Bates, who led an investigation into his death as the trust's clinical director, said Oxehealth was a tool to aid staff rather than to be relied on itself.

Mrs Connor told Berkshire Coroner's Court in Reading that the care given to Mr Roberts "far exceeded" what he would have received had he not been detained.

West London NHS Trust was approached to comment.