Tragic Death of Teen Girl After Mental Health Bed Shortage at NHS Hospital
A 16-year-old girl being treated in hospital for mental health issues took her own life after no suitable bed could be found for her in a specialist facility, an inquest has heard. Ellame Ford-Dunn, from Upper Beeding, West Sussex, suffered from a history of chronic mental health problems, including self-harming and an eating disorder, which tragically culminated in her death in March 2022.
Chronology of Events Leading to the Tragedy
Ellame was admitted to Worthing Hospital on February 28, 2022, following repeated incidents of self-harm. Initially placed on a children's medical ward, her condition necessitated detention under the Mental Health Act by March 10. However, the inquest revealed that despite this legal measure, no appropriate bed was available in a dedicated mental health unit, forcing her to remain on the general children's ward.
She was placed under 24-hour one-to-one observation by a registered mental health nurse. Despite this, days later, Ellame managed to leave her bed and attempted suicide when the nurse attended to another patient. Medical staff quickly intervened, saving her life and returning her to bed. Tragically, the very next night, she absconded again, fleeing into the hospital grounds. This time, she was not immediately found; police were called to search, and she was discovered in a critical condition, dying shortly after.
Family's Heartbreaking Tribute and Concerns
In an emotional tribute, her parents, Nancy and Ken Ford-Dunn, described Ellame as a lovely, fun, and caring girl who loved dancing and joking. She was the eldest of three children, known for being kind and supportive to her siblings, and enjoyed sea swimming with her younger brother. Mrs. Ford-Dunn expressed that the family feels a great big gap and their hearts are broken, emphasising how loved Ellame was.
On the day of her death, March 22, Ellame's father visited, and they spent hours laughing together. Later that evening, concerns arose when she did not read a WhatsApp message. Upon calling the hospital, her parents learned she had absconded 10-15 minutes earlier, and police were involved. Mr. Ford-Dunn searched nearby areas before discovering police at the hospital, where he was told his daughter was found critically ill and later pronounced dead despite resuscitation attempts.
Systemic Failures in Mental Health Support
The inquest highlighted significant failures in mental health services. Ellame had enjoyed primary school but began struggling in secondary school from 2016, experiencing severe stress and self-harm as her mental health deteriorated. Her parents faced difficulties getting her to school and felt very little help was available from medical services. As her condition worsened, Ellame, who had autism, continued self-harming and attempted suicide twice in 2019.
During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, she developed anorexia and was under the care of Child and Adult Mental Health Services (CAMHS), spending over 18 months in inpatient units. In 2021, she confided about being a victim of sexual abuse. After treatment at the Priory Hospital in Manchester and Chalkhill Hospital, she was discharged in January 2022 with a care plan. However, once home, her condition rapidly declined, leading to repeated hospital visits and discharges.
Her mother told the inquest that Ellame felt ignored and unsupported by professionals, concluding they did not want to help her. Despite being placed on the Bluefin ward at Worthing Hospital and under observation, Ellame complained to her father of waking from nightmares to find no one there, underscoring gaps in care.
Coroner's Findings and Broader Implications
Assistant coroner Joanne Andrews noted that Ellame remained on the children's ward after being sectioned due to no suitable bed being available. This case raises serious questions about resource shortages and support systems within the NHS for adolescents with complex mental health needs. Mrs. Ford-Dunn stated that the family felt failed by mental health and social services, left unsupported and out of their depth.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved mental health provisions and better coordination between services to prevent similar outcomes in the future.
