Expectations for service provision following a disaster are understandably high but difficult to meet. This report considers the case of a patient with pre-morbid anxiety traits and asthma who suffered organic brain damage as a consequence of the Hillsborough Football Stadium disaster, whose care was reactive rather than proactive and resulted in his compulsory admission to a psychiatric hospital. Aftercare arrangements need to be anticipated in advance and should involve early psychiatric assessment of at-risk patients. Medical control of case management following disasters needs further clarification.
