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Teenager's Death Prompts Inquest into Care
27 Jan
Summary
- A 16-year-old mental health inpatient died by suicide.
- She ran away from a non-mental health ward.
- Her family seeks answers and accountability from providers.
An inquest is underway following the suicide death of 16-year-old Ellame Ford-Dunn in March 2022. Ellame, a mental health inpatient, died after escaping from a ward at Worthing Hospital. Jurors heard that the ward she was on, Bluefin, was a pediatric ward and not suited for her mental health needs, as no acute mental health facilities had available spaces.
Ellame's family has stated they are seeking "answers and accountability" from the care providers. Her mother detailed Ellame's struggles with mental health since secondary school, including diagnoses of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Concerns were raised about the support provided when Ellame was discharged to live with her parents in January 2022.
The inquest will examine the policies and procedures regarding missing patients on the Bluefin ward. Ellame's family remembers her as a polite, kind individual who loved dancing. They hope the ongoing inquest process will lead to changes for other children. The Bluefin ward is managed by University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, with mental health provision by Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust.
