Teenager found dead near hospital she'd left just an hour before
A teenage girl was found dead near a hospital she had just walked out of an hour before.
Evelin Chacko was given care at Royal Bolton Hospital on July 13, 2020, before she was discharged and shortly after found dead in a nearby woodland. An inquest into her death, held at Bolton Coroners' Court, heard she had been admitted following an overdose at her family's home in Farnworth on July 1. However, it was said that she was put on an "inappropriate" ward.
Her family claimed in court that there were failures at "every stage" before the 16-year-old's death. Coroner Alan Walsh heard she had a "long history" of "suicidal ideation", suffered with panic attacks and had self-harmed. She often "threatened" to kill herself during disagreements with her loved ones, the court heard.
She had been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, The Manchester Evening News reported. The court heard Evelin's mother Valsamma John called an ambulance after her daughter said she had taken an overdose. She was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital's A&E before she was put on the C2 ward the next day - an adult complex care ward dealing largely with elderly patients with complex medical needs.
Dr Geraldine Donnelly said she was not aware of the full extent of Evelin's mental health history (Manchester Evening News)Dr Geraldine Donnelly, a consultant on the ward, said the teenager stayed there as it was a "place of safety", despite her concerns it was "inappropriate". She said she was not aware of the full extent of Evelin's history of mental ill-health.
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She told the court she tried to contact Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) numerous times three days before Evelin died to discuss future treatment but the answerphone inbox was full. "I didn't feel there was an adequate risk assessment and plan in place for levels of observation on this ward," Dr Donnelly added.
The court heard Evelin left the ward and returned home on at least three occasions, but always returned. Dr Donnelly confirmed C2 was an open ward and that Evelin was "free to come and go" without monitoring from July 5. Dr Donnelly said Evelin appeared "smiley" during her admission and "there was nothing to suggest that she was low in mood". Evelin was said to have seemed "bright" during rounds and there was "no indication" she was thinking of taking her own life.
The inquest heard how due to an incident the night before her death, there were discussions about admitting Evelin to a mental health ward but following an assessment, this was not offered, Dr Donnelly said. "An informal admission was not offered, indicating they were happy for her to leave hospital on mental health grounds," she said. She added it was also advised Evelin was not ready to return home. Dr Donnelly said she raised concerns, but did not feel they were listened to.
On the day of her death, Evelin had contact with her family and a friend, the court heard. Her father said she seemed "happy" in a text message interaction between the pair on the day. Evelin left the hospital at around 2pm, which was "not unusual" as she would often leave to have a cigarette, Dr Donnelly told the court.
Police Constable Zac Marsden, who responded to a call about a female found in woodland near the hospital, said CCTV footage he viewed later showed Evelin walking "alone" at 2.11pm. Her body was found just over an hour later. Police coroner's officer Neil McAffrey told the court data extracted from Evelin's phone showed that on the day she died, she Googled hanging methods.
The data also showed a number of internet searches in the months leading up to Evelin's death, including "I feel like I have to commit suicide"; "How to hide that I am suicidal"; and "What to write in a suicide note".
Representing Evelin's family, Sara Sutherland said there were "systemic failures" in "every stage" of her care. The court heard the teenager previously contemplated taking her own life. In May 2020, police were able to escort her away from a motorway bridge.
Giving evidence, pathologist Dr Patrick Waugh said an external examination of Evelin's body showed ligature marks, as well as abrasions on her chin which suggested an attempt to adjust or move it. He offered a medical cause of death of hanging. An inquest into Evelin's death was first opened in July 2020, but had been adjourned due to lockdown and a subsequent Care Quality Commission (CQC) investigation.
Speaking at the inquest opening, Evelin's mother paid a tribute to her daughter, saying: "Evelin was an amazing girl. She was really loving. Anyone who knows her will say how happy and smiley she was."
Best friend Chloe Beaumont added: "Evelin was such a lovely, beautiful girl and had such a bubbly personality and was loved by so many people. I really will forever cherish my time spent with Evelin and the memories we made together will always be with me. Evelin's presence will truly be missed by many and will forever be in our hearts. I love and miss you so much Evelin! Shine bright my gorgeous little angel!"
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The inquest continues.
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