Verdict may lead to legal action

Azrar Ayub . . . family is considering legal action

THE family of an Oldham mental patient who died in hospital is understood to be considering the possiblity of legal action against the health authority involved.

It follows an inquest jury voicing concerns of a cover-up and over other aspects of the death of Azrar Ayub (24) in the Edenfield psychiatric unit, at Prestwich Hospital, on May 28, 2004.

Mr Ayub, a former pupil at Hathershaw School who suffered from schizophrenia, died after he was forcibly moved into a seclusion room at the hospital.

The jury, sitting in Rochdale, found that his illness, plus the physical and psychological exertion brought on by prolonged restraint, contributed to his death.

Furthermore, the jury found evidence of a cover-up within the hospital.

A spokesman said: “It is the jury’s opinion, based on the balance of evidence provided, that there has been an attempt to conceal the carrying of Mr Ayub, kneeling upon his back and the degree of the observation and assessment.”

In a narrative verdict, the jury said Mr Ayub become more agitated at the presence of three members of staff at his door.

The jury said that at one stage, while Mr Ayub was being moved, full control over the situation was lost. A member of staff kneeling on his back may have contributed to his stress.

Mr Ayub was originally detained under the Mental Health Act at the hospital in November, 2000, having been convicted of raping a 21-year-old-woman in Oldham in 1999 and jailed for eight years.

Cath Moran, director of operations and nursing director at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Trust once again offers sincere condolences to Azrar’s family.

“We will now consider the full details of the inquest verdict to determine any further actions we need to take which have not been addressed since this tragic event.”

Coroner’s officials are expecting the family to take a final decision on legal action in three weeks.