A devastated mother is speaking out after her 13-year-old daughter tragically took her own life, expressing that if her daughter’s pleas for help had been heeded, she might still be alive today. Ella Louise Murray, who had expressed suicidal thoughts to her teachers, was taken to the hospital and later seen by mental health professionals who assessed her as a “medium risk”. Despite indicating a desire to harm herself and a plea to go to the hospital during a home visit, Ella was not admitted. Tragically, she attempted to end her life after the visit and passed away at King’s College Hospital in London the following day.
Ella’s mother, Natalie, reflects on the heartbreaking loss, expressing the lingering questions and regrets of not being able to help her daughter. An inquest highlighted the failure to adequately assess the risks and provide necessary intervention for Ella. Two years later, Natalie still struggles to comprehend why her daughter was not admitted to the hospital despite multiple interactions with mental health professionals.
In response to Ella’s death, a government petition has been launched by her friend Daisy Sunley, calling for mandatory suicide risk assessments for children in hospital care. Daisy, who has also lost another friend to suicide, emphasizes the importance of taking suicidal statements seriously and ensuring proper assessments are conducted to prevent further tragedies.
The coroner’s report following Ella’s death raised concerns about the missed opportunities for intervention and emphasized the need for improved information sharing and escalation plans among healthcare providers. Organizations involved have committed to enhancing collaboration and communication to prevent similar incidents in the future.
If you or someone you know needs support, the Samaritans are available 24/7 for confidential assistance. You can reach them at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit their website to find your nearest branch. Remember, your well-being matters.