An independent investigation has been launched following the tragic death of JB, who fell from a fourth-floor balcony at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. The incident occurred shortly after JB had been discharged from Fieldhead Mental Health Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for a significant deterioration in his mental health.
JB was initially admitted to Fieldhead Mental Health Hospital under the care of South West Yorkshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWYFT). During his stay, his family raised concerns about an infected arm injury, which later required urgent intravenous antibiotics. JB was then transferred to Pinderfields Hospital, governed by Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, for treatment of a severe bone infection.
While at Pinderfields, JB continued to experience acute mental health challenges and expressed threats to jump from a height if his bed at Fieldhead was removed. Tragically, these threats materialised when JB fell from the hospital’s main atrium balcony after being discharged from Fieldhead.
Second Fall Highlights Ongoing Safety Concerns
JB’s family, represented by Sarah Finney of Ison Harrison’s Inquest Team, have welcomed the independent investigation but remain deeply concerned about the adequacy of individual risk assessments and the environmental safety measures at Pinderfields Hospital.
Those concerns have been heightened by news of a further incident on 18 November 2025, in which another person fell from the same balcony. In a statement issued on 21 November, Brent Killmurry, Chief Executive of Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation:
“We recognise that this is not the first incident of this nature in the Pinderfields atrium. After previous incidents, we commissioned independent risk assessments of our buildings and acted on recommendations to mitigate risks. In taking these actions, we have also had to ensure compliance with other legal obligations, such as air circulation and fire safety.”
Killmurry confirmed that a further review of environmental risks will now be undertaken to determine what additional measures may be necessary.
The family of JB remain devastated and hope the independent investigation will provide answers and lead to meaningful changes to prevent future tragedies.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this most recent incident and JB’s tragic death.
Support for Those Affected and How to Seek Legal Advice
If you have been affected by this article and would like to speak to Sarah Finney or a member of the Personal Injury and Inquest Team, please contact us on 0113 284 5000.
At Ison Harrison we work tirelessly on behalf of the families of those who have been failed by the very systems we rely on. Our experienced team will offer support and guidance every step of the way.
