An inquest has concluded that significant failings in care contributed to the death of Emily Moore, an 18-year-old from Shildon, County Durham, who took her own life days after her 18th birthday. Emily had been detained in mental health hospitals for 11 months, following a severe decline in her mental health that began in 2017 when she was 15.
Emily, who was diagnosed with emerging emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), was admitted to her first facility, West Lane Hospital in Middlesbrough, run by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), in March 2019. Her parents, David and Susan Moore, described the hospital as a 'hell-hole' and raised concerns about the treatment their daughter received. Emily herself reported being treated 'like dirt' and alleged that staff would watch her self-harm, make derogatory comments, and treat patients like 'naughty children'.
The inquest heard that essential therapies, deemed beneficial for Emily by doctors, were unavailable due to a shortage of psychologists at the hospital. This staffing issue was exacerbated by earlier changes within the NHS Trust, which saw experienced staff move to new community crisis teams, leaving less experienced nurses to care for increasingly complex patients. Further compounding the problems, 33 out of 49 staff from West Lane's secure Westwood ward were suspended in November 2018 following an investigation into patient treatment, leading to widespread staff reassignments and increased reliance on bank workers.
Dr Amanda Wild, a consultant clinical psychologist brought in to address issues at the hospital, testified at the inquest that she repeatedly flagged concerns to management. She highlighted a lack of organisation and a pervasive absence of a culture of care within the facility. These systemic issues, the inquest concluded, collectively contributed to Emily's tragic death.
The case underscores the critical importance of adequate staffing, appropriate therapeutic provision, and a compassionate care environment within mental health services. The findings highlight the devastating consequences when these standards are not met, particularly for vulnerable young people in inpatient settings.