Probe after Aberdeen psychiatric hospital deaths

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched by a Scottish health board after two patients from an understaffed psychiatric hospital in Aberdeen died.

The entrance to the understaffed Royal Cornhill Hospital. Picture: Google Maps

The body of Carole Corbett, 49, who had been a patient at the city’s Royal Cornhill Hospital, was found near Dunnottar Castle at the weekend.

And Robert Gordon University mental health lecturer Andrew McKie, 55, was found dead in the grounds on 8 June.

NHS Grampian has now launched an internal review to see what lessons can be learned from the deaths.

Royal Cornhill Hospital has been under attack from patient groups over the past few months after it was revealed NHS Grampian was discussing bringing in police to help alleviate a nursing shortage.

Two months ago it was announced that 30 nursing posts needed to be filled as soon as possible at the hospital.

But nine positions are still available and under-pressure staff are still having to handle issues they are not trained to deal with.

Richard Baker, MSP for North East Scotland, said: “These are two very serious incidents in close proximity.

“Therefore, it is all the more important that a full and thorough investigation is carried out.

“All the circumstances need to be looked into, to see if there are any systemic failures involved.”

The body of Mr McKie was found by staff in the grounds of the hospital, where he had been receiving treatment.

His wife, Rosie, 55, paid tribute to the “love of her life” and the father of her children Chris, 23, and Claire, 21.

She said: “Everyone who worked with him at RGU knew him to be a very kind, considerate man. He was the type of person who would go the extra mile for people and would stop and speak to anyone.

“He could hardly pass someone on the street without stopping to say hello.

“I don’t think you could find a more genuine person.

“These past few days have been extremely difficult, but we find comfort in knowing he’s at peace.”

Ms Corbett was reported missing from Royal Cornhill Hospital at 9am on Thursday and after extensive land and sea searches involving the Aberdeen lifeboat, coastguard and police, her body was recovered on Sunday near Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire.

A report in April said staff shortages had led to increased fears over patient safety.

However, a spokeswoman dismissed suggestions that the deaths could be related to concerns over staffing levels at the hospital.

“In the event of any serious incident, a review would be carried out to determine if there are any lessons to be learned,” she said.

“It is an opportunity for clinicians to share knowledge and consider any learning points.

“We would reject any suggestion that these deaths could be attributed to recent staffing issues at the Royal Cornhill Hospital.

“The situation continues to improve, with 11 nursing appointments made and a further recruitment round planned for next month.”

The statement from NHS Grampian added: “Our thoughts are with the families of these

patients at this difficult time.”