Hospital convicted of safety failings after woman's death in mental health unit
Summary
A hospital trust and a staff member were found guilty of health and safety failures related to the death of Alice Figueiredo, a 22-year-old woman who died by suicide while in a mental health unit. The North East London Foundation NHS Trust and ward manager Benjamin Aninakwa were convicted under the Health and Safety at Work Act, but cleared of more serious charges. The case highlighted safety lapses which failed to prevent Alice from accessing items she used to harm herself.Key Facts
- Alice Figueiredo, 22, died by suicide in a mental health unit in July 2015.
- She had repeatedly attempted suicide using plastic or bin bags before her death.
- The hospital acknowledged the risk of bin bags, removing them from patient rooms but not from a communal bathroom.
- A jury found the North East London Foundation NHS Trust and manager Benjamin Aninakwa guilty under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
- Aninakwa was previously on a performance improvement plan, raising concerns about his skills.
- The hospital had a high turnover of temporary staff on the ward.
- This was only the second time an NHS trust faced a corporate manslaughter charge in the UK.
- Alice had a history of depression and was previously admitted to hospitals for treatment.
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