A MENTAL health trust failed to take adequate precautions to protect a patient who died after two attempts to hang himself, an inquest jury concluded.

Steven Adams, 42, of Cranley Road, Westcliff, a patient at Rochford Hospital - which helps mental health patients – died at Southend Hospital on October 24 last year, two days after he attempted to hang himself.

A post-mortem examination concluded Mr Adams died from asphyxiation due to hanging.

The coroner’s court, in Chelmsford, heard that he had previously attempted to take his own life but hospital staff intervened and were able to stop him from doing so.

The jury at the inquest concluded that Mr Adams’s risk of self harm or suicide was not adequately assessed or reviewed.

It added in its conclusion that there was not adequate or appropriate precautions taken to manage Mr Adams’s risk of self harm or suicide.

A spokesman for Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, which is responsible for Rochford Hospital, said: “The Trust extends its deepest sympathy to everyone affected by this tragic incident.

“Immediately following the incident, the Trust undertook a full internal review.

“We acknowledge the jury’s conclusion and will ensure that all recommendations are incorporated into the action plan and are communicated across our organisation.”

The inquest heard Mr Adams refused to stay at Rochford Hospital voluntarily.

As a result, it prompted doctors to section him under the Mental Health Act.

Mr Adams, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder, was found unconscious in his room on October 22.

He was taken to Southend Hospital for treatment, but he died two days later.

The inquest heard Mr Adams was initially placed in the 136 suite for assessment when he arrived at Rochford Hospital after he attempted to take his own life .

But he was subsequently transferred to the Cedar Ward - which has beds for 24 adult patients.

It was while on this ward that Mr Adams was found unconscious.

He had been put on level two observation - the second lowest. It meant five checks per hour were carried out at irregular intervals.

On the higher two levels, patients are observed around the clock, either within eyesight or arm’s reach.