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A probe has been launched after a terminally-ill cancer patient killed himself at a Midlands hospital.
The investigation will take place at Stoke-on-Trent’s main hospital after the tragedy unfolded.
Grandad Benjamin Elkin was found hanged in a bathroom at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Tragically, medics were unable to revive him, according to our sister title StokeonTrentLive.
Horrified staff made the heartbreaking discovery last October.
Mr Elkin was found just hours after the 68-year-old had said to his wife, ‘see you tomorrow’.
Now an inquest has ruled that the retired miner and pottery worker committed suicide.
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The Sanctuary (0300 003 7029 ) helps people who are struggling to cope – experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks or in crisis. You can call them between 8pm and 6am every night.There are other depression charities.
Following this week’s hearing, Royal Stoke medical director Dr John Oxtoby said: “We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr Elkin.
“We have, of course, carried out our own internal investigation to see where we can improve our processes and communication to minimise the risk of such an incredibly sad incident occurring.”
The inquest heard how Mr Elkin, of Friars Road, Abbey Hulton , had worked as an electrician at Norton Colliery, Chatterley Whitfield, and Hem Heath Colliery. He later switched to Churchill China and retired at the age of 65.
Doctors diagnosed him with an inoperable tumour in April, 2018 just a month after he had returned from Lanzarote with his wife.
He started chemotherapy treatment and needed a blood transfusion before being admitted to the Royal Stoke with a chest infection.
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Widow Julie Elkin, aged 55, says her husband’s mood was ‘low’ the night before he died. The cause of death was recorded as ‘hanging’.
North Staffordshire assistant deputy coroner Anthony Curzon said: “I’m satisfied Mr Elkin took his own life at the hospital. Clearly he was a very poorly man.”
Following the inquest, Mrs Elkin, who lives in Abbey Hulton, said: “He was a very nice, caring person.
“We had a good social life, we enjoyed going on holiday and he liked a laugh and a bit of banter. His illness hit him hard.”
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