A PSYCHIATRIC patient on ten minute close observation may not have been seen by staff for nearly 30 minutes before he was found dead, an inquest heard.

Jason Walker was found dead in the Stephenson Unit, at the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton, in May 2007.

The 34-year-old, from Yarm, had used an adapted razor to slash his throat.

Margaret Gaffney, who was in charge of staff on the ward on the night Mr Walker died, admitted she may have not asked anyone to check on him during a shift change over.

Mr Walker classed as being at "medium" risk of immediate self harm and was put under close observation.

But the jury heard there was no evidence he had been checked between 6.50am and 7.20am.

Giving evidence at Teesside Coroners' Court, she said: "I normally allocate somebody to go around and look after the patients but I can't recall whether I did or not on that day."

The court also heard that Mr Walker had not taken his anti-psychotic medication the night before he was found dead.

Mrs Gaffney said it was not unusual for him to refuse to take his medication.

However, she accepted she had not read the recommendation that Mr Walker's consultant psychiatrist, Dr Stephen Humphries, had made to ensure his patient took his anti-psychotic drugs.

Deputy Teesside Coroner Tony Eastwood adjourned the hearing until a date yet to be confirmed.