A SECOND tragic death in a month of a mental health patient in hospital has prompted Canterbury MP Julian Brazier to call a meeting with managers.

Andrew Dilliway, 34, died on Friday, January 16, after fire broke out in his room on a secure ward at St Martin's Hospital, in Canterbury. He was found dead at the scene and an internal investigation is under way.

A separate inquiry is being carried out into the death of Alyson Drake, 32, of Littlebourne Road, Canterbury, who was found hanged on a ward just a few weeks earlier.

Now Mr Brazier says he is "deeply concerned" by the incidents, which follow a damning Health and Safety Executive report into the management of the hospital.

He is due to meet David Parr, chief executive of the East Kent NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust, on February 13 to discuss the issues and tour the hospital.

Mr Dilliway was considered to be a high-risk patient and was accommodated on a locked unit. The fire was contained to his room.

An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned to a later date.

His family lives in Thanet. His father, John, is a retired colonel and is treasurer of the South Thanet Conservative Association.

Family friend Peter Booth, who is the current chairman of the South Thanet Conservatives, said: "Andrew's death was a great shock to the family and everyone is rallying round to offer as much support as possible at this terrible time.

"There had been hope he would be able to return to the community soon and then this tragedy happened. We do not know why the tragedy happened or what the trigger was."

Mr Brazier said: "I am deeply concerned both by the report into the management of the hospital and the whole string of unhappy incidents.

"I do not want to make life any more difficult for staff than it already is, but confidence does need restoring in the running of the hospital."