An inquest has found that there were multiple institutional failings leading up to the death of 17-year-old Charlie Millers in a Greater Manchester mental health unit in December 2020.
by Charlotte Leeming, North of England Correspondent
Sunday 5 May 2024 03:03, UK
The mother of a transgender boy who died after self-harming in a mental health unit is calling for a public inquiry into his care.
Charlie Millers (17 years old, from Stretford) Greater Manchesterdied from brain injuries five days after he was found unconscious in Prestwich Hospital’s Junction 17 block in December 2020.
autopsy Rochdale Coroner’s Court found there were multiple institutional failures leading up to his death and that he had not intended to take his own life.
The inquest jury found that the lack of one-on-one nursing care and the failure to keep Charlie under constant supervision on the ward likely contributed to Charlie’s death.
His mother, Sam Millers, had repeatedly asked for more help to keep him safe.
She told Sky News: “I’m upset that I’ve made such a mistake and will never have the chance to say I’m sorry again. He was in danger of dying and as a mother I never thought he would. I said that,” he said. Come here for Christmas. ”
Charlie was a talented artist who loved football and animals, but struggled with his mental health from an early age.
He has been diagnosed with ADHD and has been severely bullied since the age of 12, when he came out as a boy.
The court heard Charlie had been receiving support from Trafford Council’s children’s services as he had repeatedly self-harmed and attempted suicide. He was admitted to Junction 17 due to worsening mental condition.
Charlie became the third young person to die in hospital within the past year.
The mother stated, “It is extremely worrying that three people died in nine months due to the same observation failure, and we intend to proceed with a public investigation.”
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The inquest’s chief coroner, Joanne Kearsley, also expressed concerns and told jurors she would be writing to the Department of Health and Social Care for recommendations to prevent future deaths.
Charlie had been admitted to a unit run by Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) three times in the months before his death. NHS Foundation Trust.
GMMH said: “A wide range of steps have already been taken to improve inpatient mental health services following Charlie’s death and as part of a wider improvement plan.”
Meanwhile, Trafford Council said: “We are actively working with the Safeguarding Partnership to strengthen our practices to improve care when young people are in crisis.”
Anyone experiencing mental distress or suicidal thoughts can seek help by calling Samaritans on 116 123 or in the UK by emailing jo@samaritans.org. In the United States, call your local Samaritans branch or call 1 (800) 273-TALK.
