An inquiry revealed that a triple killer, Valdo Calocane, was discharged from mental health services due to healthcare workers being unable to locate him. This alarming finding raises serious concerns about public safety.
On June 13, 2023, Calocane stabbed to death three individuals in Nottingham, UK. The victims were Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both aged 19, and Ian Coates, aged 65.
Calocane had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and was under the care of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for two years before his discharge. His last engagement with the Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) team occurred via phone on July 16, 2022.
Healthcare workers reported difficulties in locating Calocane. Emma Robinson, a team leader at the trust, stated that they felt it was safer to discharge someone back to their GP if they could not engage with them.
The decision to discharge Calocane came despite warnings from a consultant psychiatrist who expressed concerns that he would eventually harm someone. This sequence of events highlights critical gaps in the mental health services.
The inquiry continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Calocane’s discharge. Officials have not confirmed whether additional measures will be implemented in response to these findings.
This case underscores the urgent need for effective early intervention strategies within mental health services to ensure public safety. The outcome of this inquiry may lead to significant changes in policy and practice within the NHS trust.