The parents of a teenager who took his own life are suing NHS Western Isles over claims of clinical negligence in their son’s case.
Dr David and Malgorzata Michael’s 15-year-old son, Anton, killed himself in the toilets of The Nicolson Institute school on Stornoway on December 12 2017.
The couple are now claiming that medics ignored the boy’s suicidal behaviour in the months prior to his death.
Dr and Mrs Michael, who lived with Anton in Great Bernera on the Isle of Lewis, say their son was misdiagnosed with Asperger syndrome – a form of autism.
They said his suicidal behaviour was wrongly treated as he suffered from “violent mood swings” and was tested while he was “in a good mood”.
Anton began treatment with NHS Western Isles in August 2017 after sharing his suicidal thoughts with his parents, who immediately took him to see a GP.
The preliminary diagnosis of Asperger syndrome was based on the results of a questionnaire, and the opinion of a psychologist who saw Anton when he was a toddler.
Four months after starting treatment with NHS Western Isles, Anton took his own life during an afternoon classroom break.
Dr Michael told the Daily Record that the couple was suing the health board for clinical negligence, claiming that child mental health services on Stornoway are “not fit for purpose”.
He added: “Unless NHS Western Isles acts quickly and decisively to address this problem, then there is a real risk that more children could die or suffer injury.”
A spokeswoman for NHS Western Isles said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of any young person in our community, and offer this family our deepest condolences for their loss.
“As this case is subject to legal proceedings, we are unable to comment.”
At the time of the death, tributes to the fourth year student were led by rector Frances Murray, who said: “This is a tragic incident.
“Anton was a lovely young man who was well regarded by staff and pupils, and made a very positive contribution to the school.”
