‘Profit-driven’ medical firm left suicidal girl to die despite warnings
»»Inquesthighlights »»Group is accused failures by hospital of putting cash first
Milan. Brooke’s family are leading calls for all mental health services to return to the NHS. MP Barbara Keeley has also slammed private sector failures.
She said: “It is a scandal that such inadequate care is all too common in privately run mental health hospitals like this one. It is wrong and unacceptable that a company raking in taxpayers’ cash should keep being commissioned to provide care when they have units in special measures and where patient safety is at risk.”
Brooke was a straight-A student who aspired to become a vet. She had emotionally unstable personality disorder, was sectioned in late 2018 and the NHS paid for her transfer to Chadwick Lodge in April 2019.
Less than two months later she was left unattended with materials available to take her life. Staff saw Brooke, who had autism, “distressed and overwhelmed” on the day of her death – but failed to tell the night shift.
Natasha said: “The reason she was in Chadwick Lodge was because it was a place that could keep her alive.
“How can you allow someone to keep material that can be used as a ligature? It’s crazy. Brooke was a kind, clever woman and my best friend. I feel so incredibly sad. We did our best to keep Brooke safe in the community, but eventually the risk she would harm herself became too much.
“We thought it was a positive step when Brooke was admitted to hospital because she’d receive help she needed and be kept safe by professionals with expertise. We have been utterly shocked to learn of the inadequacies in care, and that opportunities to save her life were repeatedly missed.”
At Brooke’s inquest, coroner Tom Osborne said he would file a “prevention of future death” report urging better sharing of records and the introduction of anti-ligature pressure sensors in mental health settings.
Elysium said in a statement: “We again send our deepest condolences to Ms Martin’s family and friends. Following this tragic incident, we took significant steps to make changes.
“There are also further learnings as a result of the inquest which we will reflect on and implement. The coroner determined communication, risk assessments and observations should have been more robust, and we sincerely apologise to Brooke’s family for these shortcomings, which fell below our own high standards.
“We work with the NHS to support some of the most vulnerable people in the UK who have very complex conditions.
“Our objective is always to give the best care possible so they can go on to lead meaningful and fulfilled lives as they get better.
“Although rare, it is always tragic when a patient loses their life. Our resolve is to learn from everything that we do, so that we can continue to help people recover and live as independently as possible.”
The NHS said: “NHS-funded patients are looked after in CQC registered services which should provide high-quality and safe care at all times.”