The wife of former rugby star Nick Köster, who was found dead last year, says she hopes changes made by a city hospital will help families avoid a similar traumatic experience.

Mr Köster's family had concerns around his care during his stay at Norwich Priory Hospital, where Norfolk Coroner's Court heard he wasn't reported missing until roughly two hours after he was due to return from leave.

Changes have since been made at the priory, such as names of those who leave the site and the time they are due back, are displayed on a board, so it's clearer for staff to see.

Following a two-day inquest Mr Köster's wife, Jeannie, released a statement saying she hopes the changes to the Priory's previous "shortcomings" will save other families from similar heartbreak.

Norfolk Coroner's Court heard Mr Köster wasn't reported missing until roughly two hours after he was due to return from leaveNorfolk Coroner's Court heard Mr Köster wasn't reported missing until roughly two hours after he was due to return from leave (Image: PA)

She said: "Despite an incredibly sad and hard time for us as a family, we came here with the hope that learnings could at least be had.

"So we're pleased the Priory Norwich have acknowledged and addressed the shortcomings with the systems they had in place, for ensuring that those within their care were regularly accounted for.

"It's our greatest hope that no family will find themselves in the same situation as Nick and ourselves. 

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"We believe that there is a huge importance for patients to be able to get early intervention and there is still a need for clear pathways into mental health care.

Mr Köster's wife, Jeannie said she was pleased the priory have acknowledged and addressed its shortcomingsMr Köster's wife, Jeannie said she was pleased the priory have acknowledged and addressed its shortcomings (Image: PA)

"We fought hard to get Nick the help he needed and hope others are heard sooner."

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Earlier this week the court concluded that 34-year-old Mr Köster "died to a deliberate act but his intent was unknown and his thoughts may have been impaired by his underlying medical condition".

Mr Köster, who lived in Chestnut Drive in Horsford, took his own life in a wooded area close to the priory on July 11, 2023.

Area coroner, Samantha Goward, ended the inquest by claiming more could have been done during his disappearance.

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Mr Köster took his own life in a wooded area close to the priory on July 11, 2023Mr Köster took his own life in a wooded area close to the priory on July 11, 2023 (Image: PA)