Neglect by Cheadle Hospital contributed to death of mental health blogger, inquest finds
Beth Matthews died in March last year after taking a poisonous substance whilst at the hospital
A hospital in Cheadle has been told neglect on its part caused the death of a young mental health blogger.
A jury at South Manchester Coroner’s Court found neglect from Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal led to the death of Beth Matthews.
The 26-year from Cornwall, who was a former pupil at Devonport High School for Girls and had thousands of followers thanks to her mental health blog, died in March 2022 after taking a poisonous substance whilst at the hospital.
During the course of the inquest the jury heard how, despite being treated on a secure ward for a personality disorder, she was able to take a substance she had ordered from Russia.
Police also found she had repeatedly visited websites which discussed suicide methods.
Lack of communication & failure to manage risk factors
Today after deliberations a jury at South Manchester Coroner’s Court concluded her death was as a result of suicide contributed to by neglect.
A lack of communication between staff and failures to manage risk factors contributed to an increased risk to her, the court heard.
A jury concluded staff at the hospital allowed her to open a package she had ordered whilst two staff 'were at arms length' which was against her care plan.
The package contained a poision which she ingested and later died.
We’ve contacted the hospital for a comment.
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