Barrister's family demand improved care after death

The family of the 58-year-old barrister was told there would be a 15-month wait for some therapy

NHS mental health services in Cornwall showed an "abysmal" lack of compassion towards a man in a mental health crisis who went on to take his own life, his family says.

Nicolas Gerasimidis, a highly-respected barrister, died in June 2023 after frequent requests for help. His family said they believed his death was avoidable.

At his inquest in January, senior coroner Andrew Cox issued a prevention of future deaths report, warning that shortages of staff and resources in mental health services would lead to more deaths.

The Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said it was reviewing access to its care and expanding some services.

'So passionate, so caring'

The 58-year-old father-of-three, from Porthleven, had been described as one of the best barristers in the country by the legal guide Chambers UK.

His son Adam Gerasimidis said: "He was so passionate, so caring - whether that was about his family, his colleagues, the cases he worked on - I can't say anything other than positive things about him."

Outside of his professional life, Mr Gerasimidis was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, following what his son described as "extensive trauma in his childhood".

He son said it led to "stress levels [that] were too high [and] where work couldn't be an escape anymore".

He eventually stepped down from his work to concentrate on his mental health.

But Adam said the family faced an uphill battle to get him NHS care.

Nicolas Gerasimidis was a loving family man, said his son Adam

He said: "There is a chronic misunderstanding of a lot of severe mental health disorders. Until that's resolved, things will be problematic".

The family faced challenges, including advice from an NHS operator during a mental health crisis that Mr Gerasimidis should try "yoga or breathing exercises".

They were also told it would be a 15-month wait for cognitive behavioural therapy and specialist care.

Later, when Adam and his mother asked for Mr Gerasimidis to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act, they were told it was not possible because of a shortage of beds, despite the family saying it was clear Mr Gerasimidis was "in psychosis".

The family were also horrified by their treatment when they tried to get help at the emergency department of the Royal Cornwall Hospital near Truro in November 2022.

Adam said: "The attitude was abysmal, it was absolutely disgusting. We were asked by two individuals from the mental health team what on earth we thought would happen by going there.

"It was an abysmal lack of compassion for someone in the worst moment of their life."

Adam and his family said they wanted the story to be heard to stop other families being left devastated.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can visit BBC Action Line.

Care 'examined'

A spokesperson from Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: “Firstly, we would like to express again our condolences to Mr Gerasimidis’ family and loved ones.

“After his death in June 2023, we immediately examined all aspects of our treatment and care.

"Our review and the coroner’s inquest, which was held in January, noted the challenges faced by staff in accessing cognitive behavioural therapy and ultimately a hospital bed.

“As part of our ongoing aim to provide the best services, we are reviewing how we increase access to psychological therapies within our mental health services.

"We are also ensuring better support is provided to families and have introduced a new care planning tool.

"We have worked with commissioners and the voluntary sector to expand local crisis support.”