'We knew somebody would die': Teenage patients 'ignored' before fatal NHS trust failures
Summary
Several young patients in NHS mental health units run by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) have died by suicide after experiencing poor care and treatment. Families and former patients are calling for a public inquiry into these failures, but the investigation has faced delays.Key Facts
- Three teenage girls died by suicide while patients at TEWV hospitals, including 17-year-old Christie Harnett.
- Patients warned staff and officials that treatment was unsafe, but their concerns were ignored.
- An independent report found the mental health unit was "chaotic and unsafe," with staff sometimes ignoring or shouting at those self-harming.
- Patients described lack of compassion and ineffective treatment during their stays at TEWV facilities.
- A previous inquiry in 2023 revealed issues like excessive restraint and instructions for staff not to intervene in self-harm incidents.
- TEWV apologized and said they made improvements, but families and patients remain worried problems persist.
- The UK Department of Health and Social Care promised a public inquiry to investigate the trust’s failings, but its start has been delayed.
- Families want the inquiry to prevent future mistakes and improve care for vulnerable people.
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