In August 2017, 23-year-old Alexander Palmer brutally attacked and killed 83-year-old Peter Wrighton as he walked his dog in East Harling. It was later revealed that Palmer had been under the care of the early intervention in psychosis service (EIP) at the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), but his treatment had ended five months prior to the murder. In response to the incident, NSFT initiated an independent review of Palmer’s care, which identified weaknesses in how he was handled. The family of the victim expressed their shock at the mistakes made in Palmer’s care, calling them “unfathomable.”
In early 2022, NSFT commissioned a follow-up review to assess any changes made following Palmer’s case. The review examined 71 cases within the EIP team and found some areas of good practice, but also raised concerns about staffing levels and budgeting. The report highlighted “documented gaps in controls and assurances” relating to cultural issues, staffing, and staff retention. This suggests that the trust is still struggling to fully staff the team and address the underlying issues identified in Palmer’s case.
Cath Byford, the deputy chief executive of NSFT, expressed their support for the review and stated that any necessary improvements would be included in the service development plan. Some actions that have already been taken include improving documentation and involving patients, their families, and carers in discharge planning. The aim is to enhance the overall quality of care and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Palmer was sentenced to life in prison in March 2018, with a minimum term of 28 years. It was later revealed that he had disclosed his “desire to kill strangers” to mental health workers, and his parents had reported concerns about his collection of knives. NSFT maintained that they had reported these concerns to the police on multiple occasions. The case of Alexander Palmer serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of effective mental health care and adequate support for individuals with violent tendencies. The subsequent reviews have shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by NSFT and highlighted the need for continued improvement in their services.
