A coroner has criticised a lack of communication in a care home where a mental health patient committed suicide.

Laurence Black, a 57-year-old psychiatric patient, was found dead at Davigdor Lodge halfway house in Hove after taking an overdose of around 150 paracetemol tablets.

His family have blamed failures in mental health services for his death and claim he felt suicidal after he discovered he would lose his place at the home.

Mr Black had a history of depression and schizophrenia but was thought to have been recovering before his death at the home on March 23.

His sister, Corrine Black, of Kemp Town, Brighton, claims he was pushed over the edge when he and other residents were not informed when they would have to leave or what alternative accommodation was on offer.

At the inquest at Brighton Magistrates Court yesterday, Coroner Veronica Hamilton-Deeley said: "It does strike me that if somebody had actually sat down and explained to Laurence that he wouldn't be moved straight away that might have given him more peace of mind.

"But I don't think the staff knew what was going on either.

"It seems to me that a bit of communication might have made life easier for everyone."

Gary Ryan, community psychiatric nurse for the South Downs Health Trust, told the inquest: "In retrospect maybe there could have been more communication with him about what was going to happen."

Privately-run Davigdor Lodge in Tisbury Road provides temporary accommodation for people with psychiatric problems.

It said Mr Black always knew he would have to leave. But his sister says he was under the impression his residency was permanent and he regressed after being told last October that he was to lose his place.

He was admitted to Millview Hospital in Nevill Avenue, Hove, before being moved to Asher Lodge hostel in Wilbury Gardens, Hove, in early 2002.

After eight months he moved to Davigdor Lodge. Robert Rawat, owner of Davigdor Lodge, said residents usually stayed for two years but this was "not written in stone".

Miss Black described her brother as a quiet, shy man who deteriorated after their mother died in 2000. Mr Black stopped eating and attempted suicide.

Recording a suicide verdict, Miss Hamilton-Deeley said: "I am quite sure that Laurence knew when he moved in there that it was temporary accommodation.

"The people involved in his day-to-day care were no doubt very dear to him, and he was to them. It is a complicated business to move people and provide them with independence but it is important to keep them involved with what's happening."