Merten was ‘left to die’

NSW mother of two Miriam Merten was left to die “in the most disgraceful and horrific way” in mid-2014 because the mental health unit at Lismore Base Hospital failed her on every level, her family says.

A coronial inquest into the death of the 46-year-old found she died of traumatic and hypoxic brain injury after falling at least 25 times while on psychotropic drugs. A senior nurse was aware of at least one fall but failed to take appropriate action.

“Had Miriam been provided adequate care ... she would have lived,” the family said.