Family's assessment concerns at pre-inquest of Kurtis Ward

A pre-inquest was held at Norfolk Coroner's Court today regarding the death of Kurtis Ward, who was found dead on July 2, 2022 and suffered from autism, anxiety and a precancerous condition.

Kurtis' mum, Rachel Spinney, wants to know why her son's case was closed by charity Voluntary Norfolk despite it being referred to as a "weird one" by a member of staff there.

Anna Moradi, the council representing Miss Spinney, requested a statement be provided by the member of staff who closed Kurtis' case.

A pre-inquest was held regarding the death of 21-year-old Kurtis Ward in July 2022 (Image: Rachel Spinney)

She said: "It was noted on Kurtis' assessment, on June 17, 2022 that he was in very good mental and physical health and the case was closed.

"The family has two concerns about this; the first being whether the member of staff conducting the assessment was aware of Kurtis' very complex needs.

"There is also an entry on June 14 where the same staff member described Kurtis' case as 'a bit of a weird one' and was not sure what to do with it.

"The family would like the staff member to outline her knowledge on Kurtis' needs at the time of his assessment and provide more detail around what led her to close it, despite her concerns about it being weird."

Rachel Spinney has concerns around her son's care prior to his death (Image: Newsquest)

The council representing Voluntary Norfolk said the member of staff in question "left around nine months ago".

It added enquiries would be made to see if they could get in touch with her but that this could not be guaranteed.

The hearing - overseen by senior coroner Jacqueline Lake - was to discuss interested persons on the case, update any witness evidence and to put any people giving live statements on notice.

The inquest is expected to resume early next year.

JANUARY 2023 PRE-INQUEST CONCERNS

Miss Spinney raised concerns back in January last year when it was revealed that Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT), which Kurtis was referred to in 2017 and self-discharged from in 2021, did not alert her to three attempts to self-harm.

Jacqueline Lake, who oversaw the hearing asked to find out when Kurtis disclosed the information to NSFT mental health workers.

She also wanted to know what happened to the referral to adult social services in June 2022 after a review by Carers Matter Norfolk.

The inquest is due to resume early next year at Norfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)