GAIA INQUEST: Psychiatrist admits discharge notes were 'inadequate'
A hearing's looking into the circumstances of the Dorset's teen death
The inquest into the death of Dorset teenager Gaia Pope has heard evidence from a psychiatrist, who's admitted the information sent her GP when she was discharged from hospital just weeks before her death was inadequate.
Gaia was taken to hospital by her family in October 2017 as they were worried about her deteriorating mental health.
The 19 year old from Swanage was admitted to Poole hospital for an assessment under the Mental Health Act - carried out the following day by registrar Dr Peter Jeffery, a second doctor and another practitioner.
Dorset Coroner's Court has been told that Gaia did not meet the criteria to be detained and was able to go home.
A matter of weeks later, on November 7th, she was reported missing from her home and her naked body found dead 11 days later on cliff tops in undergrowth.
She had died from hypothermia.
The inquest at Bournemouth Town Hall heard Gaia's discharge summary was written by a nurse and sent to her GP, but did request any follow-up action.
Asked about the summary, Dr Peter Jeffery said:
"There was no specific action but for the GP to be aware of the presentation, but I agree that does not give a very good description of the position."
Rachael Griffin, the senior coroner for Dorset, asked:
"If I had got that as a GP, I would have filed it and not thought I needed to do anything."
Dr Jeffery replied: "I would agree."
The court heard the discharge summary made no reference to referring Gaia to neurology specialists about her epilepsy, which Dr Jeffery accepted was an omission.
The inquest continues and is expected to go on until July.