Mental Health Unit Deaths: "Nobody Listened"

Concerns have been raised about the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) following the deaths of multiple patients. Laura Kenny, a former patient, recalled patients warning that "somebody would die," but their pleas for help were unheeded. Tragically, Christie Harnett, aged 17, was one of three young women who died by suicide within months of each other while under TEWV's care. An independent report commissioned by NHS England in 2023 highlighted excessive restraint and ignored self-harm episodes at the unit.

Further patient testimonies reveal a pattern of alleged compassionless staff and a lack of meaningful treatment. Families of Nathan Evison, 19, and Laurent McNamara have also come forward with accounts of perceived care failures leading to their deaths. A statutory public inquiry was announced in December, but significant delays in its setup have caused distress to affected families, who are seeking answers and justice. The Department of Health and Social Care stated it is working diligently to appoint a chair for the inquiry.