Berkshire NHS trust to pay £925,000 after man's substandard care.

The family of a man who took his own life after suffering mental health problems is to receive compensation from a trust that gave him substandard care.

Adam Ludlow, 37, from Tilehurst, Berkshire, a married father of two, died in September 2017.

His family was awarded £925,000 from Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust at the High Court after the trust accepted that it was likely that, if Mr Ludlow had received the care he was "entitled to expect", he would not have died.

A statement issued on behalf of Mr Ludlow's family said the trust had been asked to help "on numerous occasions." 

The statement added: "There was a lack of cohesion in Adam’s care, no definitive treatment plan put in place, and the severity of his condition was not appreciated, despite ample evidence being brought to the trust's attention."

Judge, Dexter Dias KC, said it was clear Mr Ludlow was a "much-loved son, husband and father." 

He said while the court appreciated that "no amount of money can turn back the clock", awarding compensation was "simply the best we can do." 

A Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust spokesperson said: "We would like to extend our sincere condolences to Mr Ludlow's family who we recognise must have been through a very difficult time as a result of his tragic death. 

"We are sorry that the treatment of Mr Ludlow fell below the expected standard of care and have since introduced improvements to our systems to help prevent anything similar happening again."