Tragic news emerges as a 59-year-old woman, Sarah Heaver, sadly took her own life just six days after being discharged from hospital without a crucial brain tumour diagnosis. Sarah’s emotional state was likely affected by the undetected medical condition, as highlighted by a coroner’s report.
Sarah was initially taken to the QEQM Hospital in Margate after being found unconscious at her home in Whitstable. Despite her condition improving, she was let go without any further checks. A post-mortem later revealed a large pituitary brain tumour, which contributed to her emotional decline.
The inquest revealed that Sarah had been expressing suicidal thoughts and was under the care of the Crisis Team after discharge but still faced mental health support challenges. Six days post-hospital visit, Sarah entered the sea at Whitstable with the intention to end her life.
In response, the coroner raised concerns about hospital procedure and mental health support, stressing the need for structured neurological checks and improved psychiatric support post-discharge. A CT scan could have been indicative but was never performed – a significant oversight given her condition.
Local health trusts, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust, have been urged to make critical changes. They now have 56 days to respond to the coroner’s report formally.
Both trusts expressed their condolences, promising to address these issues and aim for enhanced patient safety and mental health care. This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the vital importance of thorough medical investigations and support systems.