AN independent investigation is under way after an “unexplained death” involving a mental health facility in Taunton.

A report by the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has revealed an individual died after “absconding” from a temporary mental health “place of safety” in the county town.

The site normally used for these purposes was undergoing repairs after it had been damaged and so could not be used.

The CCG, which decides how health resources are distributed across Somerset, has said it is reviewing the temporary sites it uses.

It currently operates two “places of safety” in Somerset – one in Taunton and one in Yeovil.

These are also known as “136 suites”, in reference to Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983.

Details of the death were included in a report which came before Somerset County Council’s adults and health scrutiny committee in Taunton this morning (June 5).

Deborah Rigby, the CCG’s deputy director of quality and safety, said in her report: “[There was an] unexpected death following an absconsion from a temporary 136 suite.

“The usual site was having maintenance following damage after its change of use.”

Under the Mental Health Act, a person can be taken to a place of safety by a police officer if the officer believes the individual is “suffering from a mental disorder and in need of care or treatment”.

A CCG spokesperson said: “Once in the suite, the individual is formally assessed to establish whether they need treatment.

“A place of safety can be any ‘suitable place’, including a care home, a hospital or police custody.

“In Somerset we have two 136 suites, one in Yeovil and one in Taunton, which usually is sufficient for the county.”

The CCG has not released details of the individual, such as their age or gender, and has not confirmed when the absconsion and death took place.

The spokesperson added: “With regards this particular event, the normal place of safety was not available, and so a temporary place of safety was used on the same site adjacent to one of the wards. This is not a unique incidence.

“We can confirm that a full independent investigation is underway.

“The use of temporary places of safety for when the 136 suite is not available is also being reviewed.”