Troubled WPC seen 5 times by medics in days before she died
. . . but no one gave her help she needed
A DEDICATED policewoman killed herself despite repeatedly seeking help in the days before she died, an inquest heard.
PC Sharon Houfe, 43, was spoken to or seen five times by medical professionals in her final six days.
And on the evening before her death her family made a desperate call to a hospital ‘crisis team’ for help. The final chance to carry out a full assessment of her condition was lost when she was sent home from an appointment after a brief chat with a nurse who colleagues suggested was workshy.
The mother-of-one was found hanged at home in Hull on April 29, 2016, the city’s coroner’s court was told. PC Houfe was given an MBE in 2014 for her services to policing, working with minority groups including the LGBT community, asylum seekers and refugees. Her family said she was available day and night to help those in need.
But when she suffered a crisis of her own no one carried out a full Mental Health Act assessment to determine whether she could be sectioned for her own protection. She had been off work for three months with health problems including fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body. Her mental health began to deteriorate in her final weeks and she spoke about her problems to GPs, counsellors and an occupational health nurse. It reached crisis point in her final week.
On April 23 she attended A&E at Hull Royal Infirmary expressing suicidal thoughts but the crisis team said counselling was the best option and no further action was taken.
On April 25, PC Houfe’s GP referred her to the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust for assessment. Despite the deep concerns of a mental health nurse who spoke to her
‘He sent her home’
on the phone, an immediate Mental Health Act assessment was still not suggested and instead a referral appointment was made for two days later.
But the next day PC Houfe was taken back to A&E after a panic attack. Staff failed to call in a consultant psychiatrist for a full assessment.
The following day she had an appointment at the mental health unit with nurse Mark Fratson, who was being assessed after time off work. Two colleagues told the inquest he was frustrated about the appointment because of ‘work avoidance’ or ‘work evasion’ rather than lack of knowledge. He spoke briefly to PC Houfe and sent her home.
On April 28, 2016, family members expressed deep concern to the crisis team about PC Houfe. She died the next day. The hearing continues. For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123, go to a branch or visit www. samaritans.org.