THE family of a man who smashed a window at the Queen's Medical Centre and plummeted to his death, have raised concerns over safety at the hospital.
Joseph Tauya smashed a window on the neuro spinal post-operative unit on the fourth floor of the hospital and flung himself out on March 1 last year.
He had just had a tumour removed from his brain and was on strong steroids, the side-effects of which had severely affected his mental state.
At around 1.30pm on that day he leapt onto the window ledge smashed the window and threw himself out, having been preaching about Jesus moment earlier and referring to himself as the "saviour".
A team of nurses and doctors hung onto his legs and tried to prevent him from falling.
They were successful for around seven minutes before they lost their grip and the man fell down onto the pavement below.
The four-day inquest has heard evidence from some of the nurses involved in the struggle to save the father-of-three, who is originally from Zimbabwe, and many of whom have suffered psychologically as a result of the nature of the death.
On the final day the inquest heard that the family had raised questions over whether it was suitable to have smashable glass windows on a ward which frequently looks after patients in a confused state of mind.
Notts coroner Mairin Casey said: "Before I return my verdict – there is one other matter that ought to be addressed, and I know it has been a concern for the family and that is the issue of the suitability of the glass in the window on the hospital ward.
"At an early stage I referred this matter to the Health and Safety Executive."
A spokesman for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the QMC and City Hospital, declined to comment on the glass or safety on the ward.
He said: "We offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr Tauya following his tragic death and fully support the coroner's verdict."
The coroner recorded a narrative verdict into the case, and did not apportion any blame to the hospital trust or its staff.
Concluding the case Miss Casey said: "My final words in this case are for the family – for Mrs Tauya, her three children, and to all of Mr Tauya's extended family and friends.
"I extend my condolences to you all for the terrible loss you have suffered – the loss of a husband, father, brother – a man well loved and well respected man by you, and by his community.
"I only hope that you feel the exploration of these painful memories in this very public arena will help you to comprehend more fully the circumstances leading up to Mr Tauya's death. I offer you my most sincere sympathies."
Mr Tauya leaves behind his wife of 18-and-a-half years, Moirah, and three children aged three, 12 and 17.
