A CORONER has ruled that numerous failings at Hollins Park helped cause the death of a man with learning disabilities.

Warrington Coroner’s Court heard last week how Ian Brooks, aged 51, suddenly collapsed at the mental hospital after staff failed to monitor his condition.

The diabetic’s health deteriorated rapidly during his two week stay, but staff failed to take blood tests or treat dehydration.

He was rushed to Warrington Hospital on February 25, 2010 when he was pronounced dead.

Nicholas Rheinberg, Coroner for Cheshire, recorded a verdict of misadventure before criticising Mr Brook’s care.

He said: “During his stay at Hollins Park there was inadequate communication between staff; a failure to take and monitor blood tests; no treatment of dehydration; an admission to review his medication following test results, all of which contributed to Mr Brooks’ death.”

The inquest heard that Mr Brooks lived with elderly mum Pamela Harrison at their home in Wigan.

At the start of February his behaviour became erratic, with him eating little.

On February 11 he would not go to sleep but instead walked around the house taking books off shelves while saying repeatedly ‘tick tock, tick tock, what will happen when the clock stops’ and clapping his hands together.

At 5pm Mrs Harrison attempted to contact the crisis team at Five Boroughs, which runs Hollins Park.

The pensioner was told it was too late in the day, and that she must cope alone with her mentally ill son, the inquest heard.

When calling the next morning Mrs Harrison was told help was still unavailable and to contact the police. Mr Brooks was arrested and sectioned.

Following the verdict, a spokesman for Five Boroughs, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our sincere condolences to the family of Ian Brooks.

“After his tragic passing in February 2010 we promptly undertook an internal review into the circumstances, which were further examined at the Coroner’s inquest.

“Our procedures around communication, monitoring and the reviewing of medication were addressed and significantly improved by an action plan which has been fully completed.”