Nineteen male serious offenders who were discharged from a special hospital: II. Illustrated clinical issues

Abstract

There were a total of 112 discharges to the community from Park Lane Special Hospital. The 19 cases who were reconvicted of an offence designated as serious during the period 1974 to 1989 were identified. This article presents an analysis of 6 of these cases, in terms of failures of the clinical processes which comprise the management of forensic patients. A seventh case is presented to show that the avoidance of peremptory recall is sometimes justified. Case summaries are presented which illustrate failures of assessment, formulation, prescription and treatment. Suggestions are made as to some of the lessons which may be learned from these difficulties.