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A man who was "terrified" about moving onto Universal Credit slit his throat in a hospital toilet, an inquest has heard.

Tragic Robert Fowler, 38, who suffered with paranoid schizophrenia, was found unresponsive on the floor at Crediton Hospital on November 2 last year.

He had become increasingly worried about his finances and was awaiting the outcome of a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment, Exeter Crown Court heard.

Mr Fowler, who had history of mental health problems dating back to 2001 but was deemed by health care professionals to be a ‘low risk’ as he was not believed to be suicidal or a risk to others.

He was not acting in an unusual manner before the tragedy, Devon Live reports.

His sister told the inquest he was "scared" by his benefits situation and "terrified" of the outcome of his PIP assessment and of Universal Credit, which was "being pushed on him".

A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said Mr Fowler was not being asked to move to Universal Credit and was not waiting the outcome of his PUP assessment at the time of his death.

Mr Fowler's father told the inquest that proposed changes to benefits "impinge so heavily" on claimants such as his son and questioned whether something could be done to "allay their fears".

After being appointed a new care co-ordinator after four months without one, Mr Fowler requested an assessment appointment at Crediton Hospital to be moved forward to the day he ended up taking his own life.

Receptionist Jill Davey told how he had arrived for his appointment 25 minutes early and she had asked him to take a seat while she made a call to announce his arrival.

She told in a statement how she did not see him again and then heard a ‘strange noise’ coming from the public toilet near the reception desk which sounded like ‘a male voice in pain’. It was followed by a ‘loud commotion’ in the toilet.

When entry was gained into the toilet, Mr Fowler, of Crediton, was found unresponsive on the floor with a fatal wound to his neck and cuts to his arms at around 12.50pm. The cause of death was confirmed as being acute severe blood loss due to a sizable wound.

Recalling how Mr Fowler, who had an interest in computers, karate and kickboxing, had acted when he arrived for his appointment, Mrs Davey said: “I do not recall anything odd.”

(Image: PA)

Written evidence was heard from health professionals, including his GP who stated although Mr Fowler had a history of self-harm and suicide attempts, such as cutting his wrist in A&E at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, it was believed his mental health was stable in the months leading up to his death and there was no cause for concern.

His community consultant psychiatrist, who had last seen him in May 2018, also told how he had no concerns about his presentation and that in times of crisis, Mr Fowler would seek help.

His sister Helen Fowler, who kept in regular contact with Mr Fowler, told in a statement how they had enjoyed a ‘standard’ upbringing in Crediton. Mr Fowler attended Queen Elizabeth Community College and Exeter College.

His sister recalled he had made his first suicide attempt in his late teens, and how in later years had used headphones to help with the voices he said he heard in his head.

Miss Fowler said: “He seemed really well and was generally in a good place. He was not wearing his headphones.”

She continued: “I had trained myself in the last four to five years to pick up on things but I saw none of those signs leading up to his death.”

She added: “I cannot understand it.”

Referring to his benefit concerns, especially with the PIP assessment, she said: “He was scared. I helped him with the form and went to his physical assessment with him and he was terrified of the outcome and of Universal Credit which was also being pushed on him.”

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Mr Fowler’s father Brian, added: “It would be good I think to have brought out of this the fact these proposed changes to benefits impinge so heavily on people like Rob and maybe something can be done to allay their fears?”

Following his death an internal NHS investigation was carried out. The route cause analysis report concluded good practice and areas for learning were identified which are being addressed in an action plan.

It stated it had not been possible to identify the route cause of Mr Fowler’s death, but it acknowledged a lack of any recent contact with mental health services which could have noticed a deterioration in his health, so it may have been a contributory factor.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, assistant coroner Alison Longhorn said: “He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and had previously made a number of attempts to take his own life. My conclusion is suicide. I am satisfied he sadly inflicted fatal wounds on himself and it was a deliberate act.”

A DWP spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Fowler’s family and we are incredibly saddened by his death.

“Mr Fowler was not being asked to move to Universal Credit and had been receiving other benefits since 2014.”

The DWP also said Mr Fowler not awaiting the outcome of his PIP assessment at the time of his death in November 2018.

It said he started receiving PIP in July 2018, having previously received DLA up until that point with no break in payments.

He was awarded the Enhanced daily rate of living due to his psychological conditions, the DWP added.

It also said he had been claiming ESA since 2014, and was not asked to look for work due to his health.

Mr Fowler had not been in contact with the jobcentre in 2018, and there is no record that he had ever discussed Universal Credit with staff, the DWP added.

* Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org