AN Essex mental health trust has apologised for failing to properly care for a patient in the lead up to her death.
The apology from Essex Partnership University NHS Trust (EPUT) comes after a report concluded its neglect of Julie Beasley, following her period of deteriorating mental health, which included a recent overdose and suicidal thoughts, contributed to her death.
Over just four weeks, Mrs Beasley made a total of eight requests to EPUTs asking for a review into her mental health treatment in the lead up to her death on March 16, 2023, because she felt her medication was not working.
She had previously made contact with mental health services in December 2020.
Mrs Beasley had responded promptly to a request from mental health services for an urgent assessment due to her level of risk, but this then did not take place, an investigation into her death found.
A statement from a prevention of future deaths report published by Essex coroner Sonia Hayes said: “Mrs Beasley stated to mental health crisis staff that she did not want to die, but this was no way to live, and wanted a medication review as her medication was not working.
“Mrs Beasley was taking additional medication to attempt to cope with her deteriorating mental health that remained untreated.”
She died aged 66 of multiple drug misuse due to a fatal amount of a prescription pain relief drug mixed with her other prescribed medications.
The investigation into her death concluded that Mrs Beasley’s deteriorating mental health, which included recent overdose, suicidal thoughts and plans, remained “untreated”.
It added: “Mrs Beasley made multiple contacts requesting a review and did not have the required mental health risk assessments or a medication review, and this contributed to her death by neglect.”
Ms Hayes, in her report, said: “Multiple experienced members of the mental health teams had contact with Mrs Beasley between January and March and did not make detailed entries into the medical or ask questions of Mrs Beasley about what additional information she had to provide about her risks of harm and suicidal ideation, review of her medication given her deteriorating mental health and calls to the crisis team disclosing increasing suicidal thoughts and ideation accompanied by acts and plans.
“There was a lack of professional curiosity, and poor record keeping and rationale for decision-making.”
Paul Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Essex Partnership University NHS Trust (EPUT), said: “I’d like to say how sorry I am to Julie’s family and friends for the failings in her care and would like to send deepest condolences both personally and on behalf of EPUT.”