A grieving mother, Natalie, believes her daughter, Ella, who took her own life at 13, might still be alive if her pleas for help had been heeded. Ella had expressed suicidal thoughts to her teachers and a pediatric nurse, indicating she would harm herself if sent home. Despite being assessed as “medium risk” by a mental health nurse from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Ella was discharged with a home treatment plan.
During a subsequent home visit by another mental health nurse, Ella reiterated her suicidal feelings and desire to be hospitalized, but she was not deemed eligible for admission. Tragically, after the nurse left, Ella attempted suicide and was airlifted to King’s College Hospital, where she passed away the next day.
Natalie, speaking from Sittingbourne, Kent, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of her daughter, questioning the decisions that led to Ella’s death. An inquest revealed that despite Ella’s explicit statements about self-harm, a proper risk assessment was not conducted. The coroner criticized the failure to ensure Ella’s safety, emphasizing that she should have been admitted to a mental health ward or placed in a secure environment.
Natalie remains bewildered by the series of events that unfolded, advocating for more stringent protocols for children expressing suicidal ideations. Ella’s friend, Daisy Sunley, has initiated a petition urging mandatory suicide risk assessments for hospitalized children contemplating self-harm, inspired by the tragic losses of Ella and another friend, Elvie, to suicide.
Post Ella’s demise, a report was submitted highlighting the need for improved communication among agencies and clearer escalation procedures for professionals in similar cases. The organizations involved have committed to enhancing information sharing and response strategies to prevent future tragedies.
For immediate support, individuals can reach out to The Samaritans at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. It is vital to take any mention of self-harm seriously and provide the necessary assistance to those in distress.
