Man who left Royal Preston Hospital found after police appeal
Lancashire Police have confirmed that a man who went missing from Royal Preston Hospital has been found. The patient, identified in statements as a 51-year-old man, had been last seen on Tuesday 28 July and was the subject of an extensive appeal published by officers on Thursday evening.
Police released CCTV footage showing the man's last known movements at the Fulwood-based hospital and explicitly warned members of the public not to approach him, citing a contagious health condition. Officers did not disclose details of the condition but said the man had been located on Saturday and expressed gratitude to the public for their assistance.
"Dean had been found and the public were thanked for their help."
The appeal drew coverage beyond local outlets, with national media reporting the request for information and sharing the CCTV images. The decision by police to circulate footage and a health warning reflected the potential public-health dimension of the incident and the operational need to locate a vulnerable patient.
Local implications and procedures
Incidents of patients leaving hospital unexpectedly raise practical questions for both health services and policing in Preston. When staff and emergency services must coordinate searches, there are resource implications and a need to balance patient confidentiality with public safety. In this case, Lancashire Police took the step of issuing public images and a safety advisory.
- Who was involved: a 51-year-old male patient of Royal Preston Hospital.
- Timeline: last seen 28 July; CCTV released late Thursday; found by Saturday (1 August).
- Health advisory: police warned the public not to approach due to a contagious condition; no further medical details released.
Hospital trusts and police services typically have agreed protocols for managing missing patients, particularly where there is a risk to health. While the public has been thanked in this instance, the episode is a reminder of the operational challenges hospitals in Preston and the wider county face in ensuring patient safety.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Dean Hesketh |
| Age | 51 |
| Last seen | 28 July |
| Update issued | 1 August |
Lancashire Police and hospital staff have not released further information about the man's medical condition. For Preston residents, the case underlines the importance of following official advice and contacting police if they see someone matching a publicised description rather than intervening directly, particularly when a health risk is indicated.
InfoRadar will publish any further updates from Lancashire Police or Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust as they become available.
