A shocking report reveals that Valdo Calocane’s carers’ warnings were overlooked. This negligence contributed to the tragic Nottingham attacks that left three people dead.
The report highlights how mental health services failed to grasp the risks he posed. Calocane, who struggled with paranoid schizophrenia, was let go to his GP just nine months before the attacks.
He fatally stabbed two university students and a school caretaker in June 2023. The report, released by NHS England, criticizes the care he received and points out major flaws in the system.
Calocane had been sectioned multiple times and had a history of not taking his medication. Despite this, he was discharged due to “non-engagement” with services.
The Early Intervention in Psychosis team had raised alarms, suggesting he needed more oversight. They wanted him on a Community Treatment Order, which would have allowed for better monitoring.
But the report shows that decisions were often made by a single clinician, ignoring the input from the care team. This raises questions about the decision-making culture within the mental health services.
Discharging him to his GP was a risky move, especially given his history. The report suggests that this practice has become too common, leading to dangerous outcomes.
Between 2019 and 2023, there were numerous incidents of violence linked to mental health patients, with some resulting in deaths. The report calls for better communication and planning to manage these risks.
It emphasizes the need for all voices in a patient’s care to be heard and for professionals to feel empowered to challenge decisions. This is crucial to prevent future tragedies like the one in Nottingham.
