This was an investigation into the care and treatment given to Christopher Alder by Hull Royal Infirmary and Humberside Ambulance Service NHS Trust prior to his death.

In April 1998, Christopher Alder died in police custody after he was assaulted outside a nightclub in Hull. Following the assault he was assessed and treated by an ambulance crew at the nightclub, by hospital staff in A&E at Hull Royal Infirmary, and again by the same ambulance crew at a police station.

We decided to investigate after the Home Secretary wrote to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) asking for a review of Mr Alder's death. The IPCC asked us to help.

We found that, while NHS staff consistently tried to provide Mr Alder with the right care, crucial information was not obtained or passed on which would have helped to make appropriate decisions about his care and treatment.

As a result of our investigation, we called for a national protocol to clarify the role of the police in such cases and to ensure patients are not discharged into their custody without their healthcare needs being fully met.

More information

Further information on the investigation is available in the publications listed below:

• Investigation into the care and treatment given to Christopher Alder
• Action plan Tees East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service Investigation Christopher Alder
• Action plan Hull & East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust Investigation Christopher Alder