Daughter 'Let Down' by Hospital Staff Before Death

A mother has voiced her deep concern that her 19-year-old daughter, Louise Furlong, was inadequately cared for by healthcare staff, leading to her death. Ms. Furlong passed away at the Queen's Medical Centre (QMC) on September 12, 2022. This followed a transfer to QMC from Highbury Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment under the Mental Health Act.

The jury at Nottingham Coroner's Court was informed that Ms. Furlong had a history of self-harm and was diagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality disorder. Her mother, Carmel Bushell, stated that her daughter should have been more closely monitored at Highbury Hospital. Concerns were raised about an incident where Ms. Furlong absconded, with staff reportedly unaware.

Ms. Bushell recounted her daughter's passions for art and music, noting a significant behavioural change around her teenage years. After periods in foster care and residential settings, Ms. Furlong was admitted to Bassetlaw Hospital in June 2022, then transferred to Highbury Hospital on September 7, 2022. Neither Ms. Furlong nor the multidisciplinary team at Bassetlaw were reportedly aware of the transfer plans.

Further distress arose when Ms. Bushell learned her daughter had absconded from Highbury on September 9, only being located at a McDonald's after a friend's call. On September 11, concerned by her daughter's appearance during a phone call, Ms. Bushell contacted the hospital. Despite assurances of checks, Ms. Furlong was found unresponsive in a bathroom shortly after.

Arriving at QMC on September 11, Ms. Furlong received treatment that was later withdrawn. She was pronounced deceased in the early hours of September 12. Ms. Bushell stated she was not fully informed of her daughter's critical condition at the time, impacting her ability to reach the hospital sooner. The inquest is continuing.