'We need change now' says devastated pal after 'kind and gentle soul' found dead in hospital A+E toilets

A devastated friend of a man found dead in the toilets of a hospital accident and emergency department has called for better mental health treatment and support.

Jamie Pearson, described as a 'kind and gentle soul' was discovered in the A+E toilets at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Friday, August 16. The 27-year-old is said to have been struggling with mental ill-health at the time.

Max Fox, who was Jamie's neighbour when the boys were growing up on Kirkstall Avenue in Blackpool., has now paid a moving tribute to his pal. He has also called for urgent reform in the mental health system.

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Although the pair had an eight year difference, Max described Jamie as having "a unique ability to make people laugh and feel loved, even during his own struggles."

He said his friend had spent a couple of days in and out of A+E. before the incident described by hospital bosses as "tragic and distressing." Max said Jamie "chose to end his life." Investigations into his death by the hospital trust and the coroner is now underway,

Max said he found out the news of his friend's death through his auntie and uncle and immediately felt like he wanted to arrange a call for action.

"When I found out, I was just absolutely devastated beyond words. You just don't see these kinds of things happening and literally right in front of you" he told Lancs Live. "I think that's the shame because sometimes you think, oh I should have dropped a message."

Talking about Jamie being in hospital, Max said: "They weren't treating the root cause which was actually his mental health. "I think there should be more processes in place for the NHS. They should be treating multiple issues on AandE, a mental health team should be doing assessments on entry and not putting them in a ward."

"Not putting the people with suicidal ideas on a ward for two days thinking they'll be alright and they can stay there because they're safe. They're not safe, they are at a very high risk. They've done nothing with the head. You can't fix physical ailments without looking at the root cause."

As a result of the incident, Blackpool Victoria Hospital said they were investigating the circumstances and colleagues as well as Jamie's family are being supported by the Trust.

Understanding the struggles, Max admits he tried to take his own life when he was younger, at around 18 years of age. "I was in and out of the Vic, so because I sort of had a lived experience of being in that hole.

"It just really reminds me that we need change and we need change now. We need to work on this because it's not getting any better, in fact it's probably getting worse."

Max has set up a GoFundMe page to help support Jamie's mum Julie through this difficult time and raise funds for funeral expenses. He is also considering setting up a programme or community with his friends to try and support individuals who may be struggling.

"I think there needs to be some action," Max said. "We can't just continue to sit and watch people die around us. We can take a stand and we can provide options."

Following the incident, Marie Forshaw, acting executive director of nursing, midwifery, allied health professionals and quality at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, said: "The Trust, together with our colleagues at Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust, is investigating a tragic and distressing incident which occurred in A&E at Blackpool Victoria Hospital last month.

"The coroner has been informed and for this reason it feels inappropriate to give any more details, other than the family and colleagues involved are being supported by the Trust as you would expect."

Don't suffer in silence

Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.

For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk

CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.

Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk

Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org

For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/