A recent inquiry revealed that Valdo Calocane, who suffered from schizophrenia, was discharged from mental health services back to his general practitioner shortly before he committed a triple homicide. Healthcare providers had difficulty locating him, leading to his release from Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Despite being warned by a psychiatrist that Calocane posed a risk of harming someone, he was discharged in September 2022 after failing to engage with the Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service.
Tragically, Calocane went on to fatally stab two students and a caretaker in Nottingham before attempting to harm three more individuals using a stolen vehicle. Testifying at the inquiry, former team leader Emma Robinson explained that efforts to reach Calocane, including home visits, calls, and letters, were unsuccessful. The decision to discharge him was made due to the inability to locate and engage with him further.
Ms. Robinson highlighted that the trust’s hands were tied as they lacked the authority to hold or treat Calocane when they couldn’t find him. The inquiry also revealed that the last contact with Calocane was a misleading phone call, after which he effectively disappeared. The decision to discharge him to his GP was based on the inability to provide treatment due to his absence.
The inquiry further disclosed that minimal information was shared with Calocane’s GP upon his discharge, and Nottinghamshire Police were not notified about the change in his care status. The inquiry proceedings are ongoing to investigate the circumstances surrounding these tragic events.