The care of two mental health patients who separately attacked social care staff, one of whom died, is to be investigated.
The first case concerns Ronald Dixon, who pleaded guilty last October to the manslaughter of Sunderland mental health worker Ashley Ewing. Dixon was detained indefinitely at Rampton secure hospital, Nottinghamshire.
Dixon, a paranoid schizophrenic, stabbed Ewing to death in May 2006 after she visited his flat in South Tyneside alone.
The second concerns Graham Burton, who was imprisoned indefinitely in June 2007 for the attempted murder of a female social worker.
The North East Strategic Health Authority announced the independent inquiries. They will examine and make recommendations on the care and treatment both men were receiving, the suitability of care and clinical and professional judgements.
Each panel includes a barrister, two medical staff and a social care representative. Dixon's panel includes Hartlepool Council director of adult and community services Nicola Bailey the former head of safeguarding at Sunderland Council, Barbara Williams, will sit on the Burton inquiry.
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