Coroner Calls for Urgent Action on NHS Crisis Support After Death of 27-Year-Old Woman

A coroner has urged for urgent action to address a blindspot in Greater Manchester's crisis support system after the tragic death of a 27-year-old woman, Jessica Smithson, who took her own life on August 28th, 2024. The inquest into her death, held on August 7th at Rochdale Coroners Court, revealed that Jessica's mental state had 'acutely deteriorated' following an alleged sexual assault she reported to the police just two days before her death.

Jessica was already under a treatment plan for Emotional Unstable Personality Disorder and had been in contact with Shout, a mental health support service run by a charity, on the evening of August 28th. However, the inquest heard that Shout has the option to refer certain high-risk cases to the Metropolitan Police, who can use the texter's mobile phone number to try and locate them so that local police services can intervene. Sadly, Jessica's case was not escalated.

Senior Coroner Joanne Kearsley returned a verdict of suicide, stating that Jessica's case should have been passed to the Met Police. However, she added that even if it had, her life could not have been saved. Ms. Kearsley has now written to the Department of Health and NHS England, making reference to the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, which in 2023, 'highlighted the critical role of 24/7 crisis text services'.

The coroner has expressed concern that more people like Jessica could be at risk of dying unless action is taken to provide a 24/7 text-based crisis service, a role currently performed by charities. It is hoped that the NHS will address this blindspot and implement a more robust crisis support system in the future.