Mother's death 'could have been avoided' - inquest

Pamela Nisbet, who was 68, died on 6 August 2019 in hospital

An inquest in Jersey has found the death of a woman who was killed by her son who had mental health problems could have been avoided.

Pamela Nisbet, who was 68, died on 6 August 2019 in hospital, where she was taken after being stabbed in the neck with a knife at her home in St Peter.

The Deputy Viscount, Advocate Mark Harris said between January 2018 and July 2019 Health and Community Service staff did not take adequate steps to assess and deal with Andrew Nisbet's Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome.

Five days before Andrew killed his mother he was assessed to see if he should be detained in hospital under the Mental Health Law.

'Avoidable family tragedy'

Despite two doctors recommending that he be detained, the authorising officer Lisa Chapman did not decide to do this.

The inquest heard she spent less than 10 minutes reviewing files before going to visit him.

Advocate Harris said there were a number of serious failures on the part of Ms Chapman.

Speaking after the hearing, the lawyer for the family, Advocate Ian Strang said: “This was an avoidable family tragedy.

"We hope that there will be a systemic change in the future. We would like to express our thanks to the inquest for its thorough and diligent inquiry.

"To Dr Bailey for his care, compassion and devotion. He is an exemplary doctor. To Jersey Police, all of whom showed exceptional skill and care, both before and after the incident, dealing with a complicated situation.

"Pam died as she lived, fearlessly going into harm’s way to try to help someone that she loved.

"She is sorely missed.”

'Deepest apologies'

Chief Officer for Health and Community Services, Chris Bown said: “The inquest into the death of Pamela Nisbet has found that between January 2018 and August 2019 there were inadequate steps and failings in the assessment and care of Andrew Nisbet by mental health services.

“We would like to take this opportunity to extend our deepest apologies for these failings to Mrs Nisbet’s husband and family.

"Whilst the Viscount recognised that significant changes have since been made to the provision of mental health services in Jersey, we recognise there is always more to do.

"We wish to assure the Nisbet family and those using our services that we are determined to continue to make improvements in our systems and processes within the mental health services."