Investigation and inquest
On 26 January 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of Florence Elizabeth Catherine STEWART aged 27. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 09 October 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was that:
Narrative conclusion
Narrative conclusion - suicide whilst suffering from mental illness having been admitted as a voluntary patient to the Campbell centre Milton keynes following her detention under s. 136 of the mental health act, after an incident when she was assaulted on 18th January 2014.
Circumstances of the death
The deceased suffered from mental illness and was admitted to the Campbell Centre in Milton Keynes as a voluntary patient following her detention under S.136 of the Mental Health Act after an incident when she was assaulted on 18th January 2024. When an inpatient she was subject to high level intermittent observations. She ████████ but this was unknown to members of staff. The observations were not carried out efficiently and the detection of her hanging was delayed. She hanged herself ████████ and suffered a hypoxic brain injury on the 20th January 2024. When found she was attached to a defibrillator the pads were incorrectly placed. She was given oxygen but the oxygen bottle ran out of oxygen during resuscitation. She died at Milton Keynes University Hospital on 23rd January 2024.
Coroner’s concerns
Firstly that the system of high level intermittent observations failed to prevent Florence's suicide and needs a fundamental review. Secondly, that the Oxygen bottle used during resuscitation ran out of oxygen.