A woman who lost her son and ex-partner gives evidence twice at mental health inquiry
Melanie Leahy, who lost her son and her former partner, says she was 'helpless' watching the man she loved 'deteriorate in front of her'
Week two of the Lampard Inquiry, which is investigating the deaths of at least 2000 mental health inpatients, has heard evidence from bereaved families and friends about the loved ones they've lost.
The Lampard Inquiry is looking into inpatient deaths, as well as those that have died within three months of discharge, from 2000 to 2023.
Melanie Leahy lost her son, Matthew, and former partner, Colin, within this time.
Her son died within 7 days of being admitted to the Linden Centre in Chelmsford.
This week she has stood up and given evidence twice.
She told us "it's been an absolute nightmare". Melanie said: "But here we are for the second time re-living it. Maybe by me telling my story, it may well save other lives.
"I know Matthew is listening. He's never left my side and that's what keeps me going. We need to remember we're surrounded by angels, because every single one of those patients that have died are supporting us on this journey. They just got there too soon."
She gave evidence for the second time about her former partner, Colin.
She said in her evidence: "helpless, I just watched the man that I love deteriorate in front of me. Imagine how I feel."
Lydia Fraser-Ward also gave evidence this week. Ms Fraser-Ward lost her sister, Pippa White-Ward, in 2016, after she was discharged from mental health care.
Pippa was due to be relocated the following Monday to Broomfield hospital.
Ms Fraser-Ward said in her evidence that "‘The majority of Pippa's care took place outside the county.
"This distance from home and inappropriate early discharge significantly contributed to her death.
"She should never have been discharged from care when she did.
"She clearly posed a risk to her own safety, having only attempted suicide 48 hours previously.
"If she hadn’t been discharged home that weekend, instead of going directly to Broomfield hospital as planned, she would be alive today."
The Essex Partnership University Foundation NHS Trust offered its apologies in its opening statement to the Inquiry last week.
It acknowledged failings including 'neglect and abuse of patients, staff falling asleep on duty and incidences of sexual assault.'
Baroness Kate Lampard, who's chairing the Inquiry, has said she believes the Inquiry will expose 'significantly more' deaths of people in the care of Essex mental health services, than the given figure of 2000.
The Inquiry continues with commemorative evidence next week on Monday (23 September) and Tuesday (24 September).
Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.