Harris Macdonnell’s death could not be prevented, inquiry hears

A consultant psychiatrist has told a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) that there was nothing that could have clinically been done prior to the death of a Borders teenager.

Appearing as an expert witness, Dr Brian Timney said there was no way of predicting what would have happened during the treatment of Harris Macdonnell, who took his own life in August 2020.

The 19-year-old had been admitted to an adult psychiatric unit near Melrose because there were no beds available in a young person’s unit.

An FAI into his death is being held at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

The inquiry heard that young people should only be admitted to an adult unit in exceptional circumstances as an emergency measure and once admitted they should be under constant observation.

Dr Timney told the hearing that while it was not that unusual for a young person to be sent to an adult unit, it was only usually for two or three days.

Mr Macdonnell had spent nine nights in the Huntlyburn adult unit near Melrose.

However, Dr Timney said he felt proper procedure had been followed during the teenager’s treatment.

He said, in his opinion, Mr Macdonnell’s death could not have been predicted or prevented.

The inquiry had previously heard evidence from psychiatric consultant Prof Peter Hill that the teenager was clearly alarmed by what he saw in the adult unit and wanted to escape.

He said these experiences could have contributed to his later refusal to engage with medical staff, but he said he could not be certain.

Prof Hill also told the inquiry he did not think that Mr Macdonnell’s death could have been predicted – but he did not know if a different approach or treatment could have prevented it.