Two '˜serious incidents' in one month at The Harbour

One patient, recently discharged from The Harbour’s acute ward, died in a suspected drug overdose; while a patient in the psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) suffered a serious self-inflicted injury, documents revealed.

Both incidents took place in November, with basic details put before a recent meeting of directors at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the unit.

Three women have taken their own lifes following treatment at The Harbour, in Preston New Road, Marton, in recent years, including 39-year-old Tracey Lynch, and Sally Hickling, 20, placing mental health care in the resort under the spotlight.

In November, Diane Balderstone, 59, was found hanged at her home – three days after leaving The Harbour.

Lancashire Care did not say whether she was one of the unnamed patients involved in the two incidents.

A spokesman said: “When serious incidents occur, the trust undertakes a thorough investigation into the circumstances in order to determine any learning to improve the quality of healthcare and safety of patients.

“Both of these investigations are still ongoing and therefore at this stage, it would not be appropriate to comment on these individual cases or pre-empty any findings.

“Any findings from the investigation will be acted upon as soon as this is complete.”