Summary
A hospital trust in London was fined over £500,000 after a 22-year-old woman, Alice Figueiredo, died by suicide at a mental health unit. The North-East London Foundation NHS Trust was found guilty of failing to prevent her death, along with a ward manager who received a suspended sentence. Alice's family criticized the care she received, stating that her death was preventable.
Key Facts
- Alice Figueiredo died by suicide while under care at Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford.
- The North-East London Foundation NHS Trust was fined £565,000.
- Ward manager Benjamin Aninakwa was given a six-month suspended sentence and 300 hours of community service.
- The hospital had previous warnings about the danger of keeping bin bags available on the ward.
- Alice's family reported that her death was preventable and criticized the lack of a formal apology from the hospital.
- Aninakwa continues to work at the trust and is appealing his conviction.
- Alice had a history of depression and bipolar disorder since her teen years.
- The Old Bailey judge highlighted the failures in care and record-keeping associated with Alice's treatment.
