NHS Trust Faces Scrutiny After Tragic Deaths of Portsmouth Couple
In September 2022, Chris and Ruth Stone-Houghton died in a tragic incident at their home in Portsmouth. Chris, who was suffering from psychotic depression, killed his wife Ruth before taking his own life. An inquest revealed that Chris had been discharged from a psychiatric hospital just weeks before the incident, despite his family's concerns. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, responsible for his care, acknowledged a 'failure to fully support' the family. Chris had been admitted to St James' Hospital after a suicide attempt and was diagnosed with psychotic depression. However, he was discharged after four weeks, a decision criticized for inadequate risk assessment. The family was not provided with sufficient guidance or support to manage Chris's condition at home. The inquest highlighted that Chris had not received necessary psychological interventions and was placed on a long waiting list for therapy, which he never received. 
