Death of Orville Blackwood

Death of a Jamaican immigrant in a UK psychiatric hospital

Orville Blackwood

The death of Orville Blackwood occurred on 28 August 1991 at Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric hospital in the United Kingdom. Blackwood, a Jamaican immigrant, died after being administered a high dose of antipsychotic medication. His death raised significant concerns about the treatment of Black and minority ethnic patients in the UK mental health system.

Background

Orville Blackwood was born in Jamaica and moved to the United Kingdom in the 1960s. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and had a history of mental health issues. Blackwood was detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 and admitted to Broadmoor Hospital, a facility known for treating patients with severe mental disorders who may pose a risk to themselves or others.

Circumstances of Death

On the day of his death, Blackwood was given a large dose of antipsychotic medication, specifically haloperidol and chlorpromazine, as part of his treatment regimen. Shortly after receiving the medication, Blackwood experienced a cardiac arrest and could not be resuscitated. His death was attributed to the effects of the medication, compounded by the stress of being restrained.

Broadmoor Hospital

Inquest and Findings

An inquest into Blackwood's death was held, which highlighted several issues in the care provided to him. The inquest jury returned a verdict of "misadventure," indicating that his death was unintended but occurred due to the actions taken. The inquest revealed that Blackwood had been subjected to excessive medication and restraint, practices that were not uncommon in the treatment of Black patients in psychiatric care at the time.

Impact and Reforms

The death of Orville Blackwood led to widespread criticism of the treatment of Black and minority ethnic patients in the UK mental health system. It prompted calls for reforms to ensure that patients received care that was both safe and culturally sensitive. The case contributed to the development of policies aimed at reducing the use of restraint and improving the monitoring of medication in psychiatric settings.

Legacy

Orville Blackwood's death remains a significant case in the history of mental health care in the UK. It is often cited in discussions about racial disparities in healthcare and the need for systemic change to address these issues. The case has been used to advocate for better training for healthcare professionals in cultural competence and the importance of patient-centered care.

Related pages

• Mental Health Act 1983
• Broadmoor Hospital
• Racial disparities in healthcare
• Schizophrenia