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Tragic Death Sparks Criticism of NHS Mental Health Care

11/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On March 20, 2022, Ellame Ford-Dunn, a 16-year-old girl, died by suicide after leaving a Worthing mental health ward.
Her parents criticized the NHS trust for failing to protect her, contributing to a £200,000 fine for criminal health and safety offenses.
The NHS trust admitted it did not provide safe care, citing a national shortage of mental health beds and resources, while Ellame's mother emphasized the need for urgent improvements.

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Story summary

On March 20, 2022, Ellame Ford-Dunn, a 16-year-old girl, died by suicide after leaving a Worthing mental health ward.
Her parents criticized the NHS trust for failing to protect her, contributing to a £200,000 fine for criminal health and safety offenses.
The NHS trust admitted it did not provide safe care, citing a national shortage of mental health beds and resources, while Ellame's mother emphasized the need for urgent improvements.