Health professionals failed Graham Thorpe, coroner says

Health professionals failed Graham Thorpe, coroner says

A coroner has pointed out the failings in the care of former England cricketer Graham Thorpe leading up to his death, which was ultimately ruled as a suicide. Despite Thorpe expressing his desire to end his life to his wife weeks prior to his passing, healthcare professionals did not consider him to be in a “crisis situation.” This overlooked seriousness ultimately led to the 55-year-old being struck by a train at Esher railway station in Surrey.

Coroner Jonathan Stevens acknowledged deficiencies in Thorpe’s care in the months leading up to his death, yet clarified that they did not amount to gross misconduct. The court learned that Thorpe had spiraled into depression after losing his job as a batting coach, with previous suicide attempts highlighting the severity of his mental health struggles. In fact, when Thorpe missed an appointment with the community mental health team in June, his wife informed a care coordinator that he was persistently seeking assistance to end his life.

In retrospect, it was highlighted that the last time healthcare professionals had seen Thorpe in person was on 20 March. The coroner emphasized that the quality of care provided to Thorpe in the final months of his life was lacking. Despite consultations with the community mental health team, the inadequacy in recognizing the urgency of Thorpe’s situation appeared to be a significant shortcoming in his care. An investigation conducted post his demise shed light on systemic issues within the healthcare framework that failed to adequately address Thorpe’s mental health needs.

Described as a “mainstay” in England’s cricketing circles, Thorpe’s illustrious career was marred by the challenges he faced post-retirement. As an esteemed left-handed batsman, Thorpe represented his country in numerous Test matches and also served as a coach for the ECB for over a decade. His unexpected passing shed light on the afflictions individuals face with mental health, prompting organizations like the ECB to emphasize the importance of seeking help. With an event commemorating Thorpe scheduled at the Kia Oval, the cricketing community aims to honor his legacy and advocate for mental health awareness

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