Tayside mum says news of another young death triggers pain of losing daughter

The Procurator Fiscal is investigating what happened last month after a woman died in Dundee.

Murray Royal Hospital
Author: Callum ClarkPublished 15th Feb 2021
Last updated 15th Feb 2021

The mum of a 22-year-old who died in a Perth mental health facility's telling us news of another young death triggered painful memories.

The Procurator Fiscal is investigating what happened last month after a woman died in Dundee.

Tracey Swan's daughter took her own life there eight years ago, NHS Tayside was fined as result.

She's fearing lessons haven't been learned.

"It's quite clear that even being in court last year, that nothing's changed because that's yet another life taken on the same ward," said Ms Swan.

"My response after court was, I don't have faith in the system and I can't see there being any change, and I still stand by that."

An investigation into what happened is continuing. A spokesperson for the Crown Office said: "The Procurator Fiscal has received a report in connection with the death of a 22-year-old woman in Dundee on 4 January 2021.

"The investigation into the death is ongoing and the family will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments."

Tracey Swan founded The Lighthouse For Perth, a mental health charity that supports people who are at crisis point, following the death of her daughter Jodie McNab.

She says the effect of losing a loved one never leaves you. "I stepped down from the charity because of my own mental health, it's just all catching up now," she added.

"It does it have an impact for the rest of the family. I've been diagnosed with bipolar and PTSD, it has a rippling affect throughout the family."

NHS Tayside did not respond to our request for comment.

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