The mother of a young woman who tragically passed away in a hospital expressed her grief and honored her daughter after a nurse was convicted of neglecting her on the night of her demise.
Amy Barber, who had been diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder and an eating disorder at a young age, was under the care of the Brooklands Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit at Clatterbridge Hospital in Wirral. The young woman, known for a history of self-harm during her teenage years, was supposed to be monitored every five minutes by staff. However, on the fateful night of June 30, 2022, Amy was discovered unresponsive in her room.
Laurence Tchapong, a registered mental health nurse responsible for Amy’s well-being that night, interacted with her briefly before she was found unresponsive. Tchapong, who was working through an agency at the time, was tasked with regular checks on patients, including visual monitoring every five minutes and assessing signs of self-harm.
Despite Tchapong’s documented interactions with Amy, CCTV footage revealed discrepancies in the nurse’s claims. Amy was eventually found unresponsive by another nurse, Victoria Connelly, leading to her transfer to Arrowe Park Hospital, where she succumbed to severe brain injuries and tragically passed away on July 4, 2022.
During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Tchapong was found guilty of willfully neglecting Amy Barber. The nurse’s defense acknowledged the failure to check on Amy after 8.15pm but cited other duties and patients as distractions. Tchapong is awaiting sentencing on September 1.
Amy’s mother, Sue, from Nantwich, shared a heartfelt tribute to her daughter, describing her as bright, kind, and exceptionally talented academically. Sue emphasized Amy’s positive impact, highlighting her participation in the Olympic torch relay and her organ donation contributions after her passing.
Expressing disappointment in the care provided by Tchapong, Sue conveyed her hope for a just punishment. She reflected on the trial process, stating they had to relive Amy’s final moments repeatedly due to the nurse’s plea of not guilty.
In difficult times, Samaritans offer support 24/7 at 116 123 or through their website.