Teen dies in mental health unit
A TEENAGER with a ‘history of severe self-harm’ has died in a mental health unit.
Charlie Millers - a ‘kind, caring lad’ - was found unresponsive in his room at in the adolescent wing of Prestwich Hospital.
His mother wants to know why he was alone at the time. He had previously had one-to-one monitoring because of his history of self-harm and attempts on his own life.
An inquest is due to be held into the 17-year-old’s death, at which a coroner will explore the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Charlie was found unresponsive by staff some time after 10pm on December 2, his mother told the Manchester Evening News. He was given CPR at the scene and later put on a life support machine, but died a week ago, on December 7.
His mother, Samantha, 38, from Old Trafford, who has two other children, said: “Charlie was a kind, caring lad who always helped others even through his own troubles. He was admitted to hospital for the first time in July under section two of the Mental Health Act.
“He had around ten suicide attempts this year and was a severe self-harmer.”
Samantha said that one of these attempts was just ‘two to three weeks before he died’.
Samantha said Charlie had been living with mental health issues for the last five years. In the last 18 months, his condition worsened. He took an overdose at home in March.
“They said he had a personality disorder,” Samantha added. “I just don’t understand. They were there to keep him safe.”
“Charlie was a smashing youngster. He was transgender and started school as a female, but identified as a male.”
“He was about to start on a medical pathway, but they could not commence that due to his mental health issues.
“He was very supportive to other people with LBGT needs and never experienced any bullying at school.”
Charlie went to Eccles College after leaving Lostock High School in Stretford, but later switched to Manchester College.
Gill Green, director of nursing and governance for Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust said: “We extend our deepest sympathies to Charlie’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“We are co-operating fully with the inquest process.”