Rethink’s response to Tennyson Obih inquiry
In response to the independent inquiry published today into the care received by Tennyson Obih who has paranoid schizophrenia and who was jailed in 2009 for the murder of policeman Jon Henry, Paul Jenkins, chief executive of leading mental health charity Rethink, comments:
“This was a tragic case and our thoughts are with the family of PC Henry.
“Violence by people with mental illness is extremely rare, and, as in this case, is often linked to inadequate care and treatment. Tennyson Obih was let down by the mental health services and it is clear that had he received appropriate treatment, this tragedy could have been prevented.
“We hope that the findings from this case provide a useful lesson in the cash-strapped months ahead. Budget pressures meant that the mental health team providing intensive support to Tennyson Obih was closed down. As a result he was transferred to a different team that was unable to provide the same level of care, even though this was essential to prevent his mental health deteriorating.
“We know how overstretched mental health teams can be and it seems that Tennyson Obih did not have the level of contact that he needed. We urge decision makers to fully consult before deciding which services to cull, and to make sure that any teams left picking up the pieces are adequately resourced to cope.”
ENDS
For more information call the Rethink media team on 020 7840 3146
Amy Edmunds
Senior Media Officer
Rethink
Tel: 020 7840 3146
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