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Teenager's Death at Hospital Highlights Failings in Mental Health Service

A coroner's inquest has heard that an 18-year-old girl who died after being detained by a mental health service did not receive the care she deserved. Problems with the service were known about months before her death.

  • Teenager died after being detained by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
  • Problems with the service were known about months before her death
  • Senior nurse brought in to solve problems confirmed issues with care

A coroner's inquest has heard that an 18-year-old girl who died after being detained by a mental health service did not receive the care she deserved. Emily Moore, from Shildon, died in February 2020 after fatally injuring herself while being treated at West Lane Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The inquest heard that problems with the service were known about months before her death, with a senior nurse confirming that issues with care were identified by a review into Emily's death.

Emily had been diagnosed with emerging emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) and had been treated at West Lane Hospital from March to July 2019. She complained of being treated 'like dirt' and of staff not intervening to stop her self-harming.

A review of Emily's care found a number of failings, including shortcomings in assessment and management of the risk she posed to herself, a broad misunderstanding of when and how to restrain patients, gaps in psychology provision, and substantial and frequent staff shortages.

The inquest heard that the issues with care were not limited to Emily's treatment, with a 'closed culture' and a lack of accountability among staff also contributing to the problems.

Why this matters: This case highlights the need for improvements in mental health services, particularly for vulnerable young people. Patients and families have the right to expect high-quality care, and it is essential that lessons are learned from this tragic case.

What this means for you: What this means for you: This case highlights the importance of high-quality mental health care, particularly for vulnerable young people. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, it is essential to seek help from a trusted healthcare professional.

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