Nurses’ frantic attempts to save teenager
HEARTBROKEN nurses on a mental health unit have described their desperate attempts to save the life of a teenage patient.
Manon Jones died after being admitted to the Ty Llidiard child and adolescent mental health inpatient unit at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend.
An inquest into her death at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court previously heard how Miss Jones was admitted following a “deterioration” in her mental health and an incident of self-harm.
Miss Jones, a pupil at Ysgol Plasmawr in Cardiff, died on March 7, 2018, a week after turning 16. The inquest heard how staff tried to save her life after discovering her “lifeless” in her bathroom.
Nurses Gemma Nealon, Andrew Fry and Alison Evans appeared in court to give evidence into what happened during Miss Jones’ stay at Ty Lidiard.
The inquest heard how Miss Jones was discovered by Nurses Nealon and Fry following a welfare check on all patients.
Miss Jones was found hanging in her bathroom on March 7, 2018. Nurses Nealon and Fry attempted to resuscitate Miss Jones, but were unsuccessful.
Paramedics arrived and administered adrenaline and defilbrillation, but these attempts were also unsuccessful. Miss Jones was pronounced dead shortly after.
The inquest heard witnesses become emotional when reliving the incident.
Nurse Nealon said: “When I first saw Manon, she looked lifeless. I thought she had passed, but I hoped she hadn’t.
“The paramedics wanted to call her time of death, but I pleaded with them to keep going. I said “you can’t, she is only 16”.”
The inquest heard of the emotional and frantic attempt to save Miss Jones’ life.
Nurse Fry said: “I remember saying to Gemma “she’s gone – get help”.”
Legal counsel for the Jones family, Mr Oliver Lewis, said: “The family asked me to tell you Manon told them that she was very fond of you.
“And they wanted me to pass on their thanks for looking after Manon and going above and beyond.”
Nurse Fry became emotional, and replied: “I wanted to say what a lovely family you are.”
Nurse Evans was the senior staff nurse on shift on the night of Miss Jones’ death.
She told the inquest how she had built a good relationship with Miss Jones, and became emotional while giving evidence.
Nurse Evans said: “She was just an amazing kid. She was quiet at times, but we always had a little bit of banter going on. She really was a lovely, lovely kid.”
The inquest continues this week. ■ For confidential support the Samaritans can be contacted for free around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123.