Heartbreaking final act of man who died after being neglected by NHS nurses

06 November 2023 , 09:32

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Bren McFarlane was found lifeless and taken to hospital (Image: MEN Media)

A mother has spoken of her bittersweet pride after her son - neglected by an NHS trust - saved the lives of three people through organ donation.

It was initially thought Bren McFarlane, 20, took his own life less than 24 hours after being admitted to a secure mental health unit run by the NHS. Despite policy stipulating all patients in 136-suite The Harbour in Blackpool, Lancashire, should be "in sight at all times", in the hour before Bren was found, staff spent less than three minutes observing him.

A coroner ruled Bren had died by misadventure - not suicide - contributed to by neglect. However, during the inquest last month, jurors watched harrowing footage of Bren seemingly taking steps to end his own life while three Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust employees played on their phones, did each other's hair and vaped.

He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and died four days later (https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/faulty-one-way-mirror-led-27933191)

After Bren was found unresponsive in his room on October 25 last year, he was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital. He died four days later after doctors discovered he had suffered a brain stem death, reports Lancs Live.

After Bren's death his mum Gail agreed with his wishes for his organs to be donated in a bid to help others. She has since said that Bren saved the lives of three people through organ donation. Gail, from Rossendale, Lancashire, held Bren's hand as he was wheeled into theatre in order for his organs to be donated.

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"He had signed up to the organ donation register three times so it was what he wanted and although his death was so devastating for us, as a family, it brings some comfort to know that he saved the lives of three people," she said.

A coroner released footage shown at the inquest to highlight the level of neglect

After Bren's organs were donated his family received "a lovely parcel" from the loved ones of one person whose life was saved. After Bren's death he was posthumously awarded the Order of St John which honours donors and their families who donate their organs.

Bren's family, including his mum Gail and sister Jenny, have also set up a charity called Bren's Open Arms, which they say has this week been granted approval by the Charities Commission. Although they are yet to decide on the charity's aims they hope for it to offer support to those struggling with their mental health.

Bren's mum also voiced concerns about the lack of availability of mental health beds across the UK. Before he was taken to The Harbour Bren had waited three weeks for a bed despite a psychiatrist assessing him as being at risk of suicide or self-harm. "We want to raise awareness and change things," Gail said. "We don't want any other family to go through what we've gone through."

If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans in the UK operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch.

Amy Fenton