What happened to 13-year-old Ella Louise Murray?

Ella Louise Murray repeatedly expressed suicidal intentions to professionals but was discharged with a home treatment plan and later died after attempting suicide.

Why was Ella Murray not admitted to the hospital?

Despite expressing suicidal thoughts and intent to harm herself or others, Ella was deemed a medium risk and did not meet the criteria for immediate hospital admission according to the assessing nurse.

What action is being taken following Ella Murray's death?

Ella's friend launched a government petition for mandatory suicide risk assessments for children in hospital care, and health authorities have committed to strengthening inter-agency information sharing and escalation protocols.

Home / Health / Mum: "Daughter's Suicide Cries Were Ignored"

Mum: "Daughter's Suicide Cries Were Ignored"

24 Apr

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Summary

A 13-year-old girl repeatedly told professionals she wanted to end her life.
She was deemed medium risk and sent home despite expressing suicidal intent.
A friend launched a petition for mandatory suicide risk assessments for children.

Mum: "Daughter's Suicide Cries Were Ignored"

A grieving mother believes her 13-year-old daughter, Ella Louise Murray, could have been saved if mental health professionals had taken her urgent pleas for help more seriously. Ella repeatedly expressed suicidal thoughts to school staff and a pediatric nurse, even stating she would end her life if sent home. Despite these clear warnings, she was assessed as a 'medium risk' by a mental health nurse and provided with a home treatment plan.

During a subsequent home visit, Ella reiterated her suicidal ideations and desire for hospital admission, yet she was not deemed to meet the criteria for immediate care. Tragically, she attempted suicide shortly after the nurse left and later died in a London hospital. An inquest highlighted critical failures in risk assessment, with the coroner finding it 'incredible' that a child expressing such clear intent was not admitted to a mental health ward or adequately safeguarded.