Mental health services 'failed' young man who caused major incident at GP surgery in Milton Keynes, claims family friend

Monday's terrifying attacks on patients and doctors at at GP's surgery could have been avoided had mental health services responded to frantic pleas to help the offender, it has been claimed.
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The family of the young man who "went berserk" in the middle of a busy Bletchley surgery on Monday (January 20th) had been calling emergency services for help for two days, the MK Citizen can reveal.

The man, who is 20, is described as "normally a lovely and friendly" person. But he is believed to have been in the midst of a psychotic crisis, said a family friend.

The friend said: "Over the weekend his behaviour became increasingly odd and it became obvious to his family he was having some sort of psychotic experience.

ParksideParkside
Parkside

"They called 111 for advice and took him to A and E. They sent him home.They phoned emergency services several times over the next 24 hours and were told help was coming. They sat up all night. None came."

The friend added: "How scary must it have been to watch this happen to your son and brother? Finally in absolute desperation they took him to the surgery first thing in the morning.

"If they had had some sort of response and help over the weekend this awful incident would not have happened. He has now been sectioned and is in a psychiatric unit and is receiving treatment. His family are completely devastated."

Four GPs and four patients were assaulted during the incident, which happened at 9am at Parkside Medical Centre in Whalley Drive on Monday.

Three people were injured and taken to A&E. all were treated and discharged the same day.

Parkside re-opened on Wednesday after Monday's drama and put out a message on social media to thank patients for their understanding.

The message said: "Thank you for your patience, understanding and supportive messages during this traumatic time for our practice...We would like to thank our staff for going above and beyond their normal duties during this time. We would also like to thank the police and ambulance service for their prompt response and ongoing support. And finally, but not least, to our Milton Keynes General Practice and NHS colleagues for your help and support."

Meanwhile, the young man has not been charged, though it is understood the police investigation is ongoing.