MENTAL health bosses have been told to put plans into action following an inquest into the death of one of their patients.

Essex Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray has ordered a progress report be given to the coroner’s court in two months which outlines the progress made by the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).

It comes after Lee Spencer, 20, from Coggeshall, was found by a dog walker in a wooded area in the village on August 27.

Paramedics and ambulance attended, but sadly pronounced him dead at the scene.

An inquest into Mr Spencer’s death was held in the presence of his family at Essex Coroner’s Court.

The hearing was told Mr Spencer had a background medical history of depression and had previously spent time in the trust’s Gosfield ward.

A post mortem examination found the cause of death to be fatal pressure to the neck.

The court heard a note was found nearby.

Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Spencer’s death.

Ms Beasley-Murray said: “I have come to the sad conclusion he intended to take his own life.

“I am having regard to the fact he has said this before and to the method he used having regard to where he did it.

“He wasn’t going to be found straight away.

“I am also having regard to this brief note he left.

“I am recording the conclusion he killed himself but I am going to add whilst suffering from a mental illness.

“He was clearly much-loved seeing you all here. I would again like express sympathy on his death.”

Since Mr Spencer’s death the mental health trust has produced an action plan outlining changes which are being made.

Mrs Beasley-Murray added: “I want a follow up report reporting on the progress that is being made upon this action plan.

“It will be issued to the court within two months.”

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