Student Landlord Staff Delayed Welfare Check by 5 Hours, Young Person Found Dead
A coroner is investigating a five-hour delay in a welfare check on a student who was later found dead in North London
North London, Somerset Court, King’s Cross, Unite Students, Coroner, Welfare Check
North London: A coroner is looking for answers from a student landlord. Staff reportedly delayed calling for help while a young person lay dead in their room. The student lived at Somerset Court, owned by Unite Students, and was found dead on July 28, 2024.
The student had spoken to their mother the day before. Concerned, she called Unite’s Emergency Control Centre around 7 AM the next day. However, staff didn’t check on the student until 10:15 AM, which was over three hours later.
When staff finally arrived, they knocked and called the student’s name. After no response, they entered the room but only saw the student’s legs on the bed. They felt scared and left without checking further. They then contacted the Emergency Control Centre for advice.
Instead of calling 999 right away, they texted their manager. It wasn’t until 12 PM that they returned to the room and found the student unresponsive. They finally called for an ambulance at that point.
The coroner expressed concerns about the staff’s training and response time. He noted that it took over an hour for staff to take action after being advised to do so. He also criticized the staff member who didn’t check beyond the doorway.
A spokesperson for Unite Students expressed sadness over the incident. They stated they are reviewing the coroner’s report and will clarify important points. They emphasized their commitment to student safety and well-being.
Unite Students CEO Joe Lister has until March 17 to respond to the coroner’s concerns. The report has also been shared with the student’s parents and their university.