Hospital failings continued after Alice Figueiredo death, leaked documents show
Leaked documents reveal ongoing safety concerns at Goodmayes Hospital, where staff failed to act after the death of Alice Figueiredo in July 2015. Just four months later, another patient attempted self-harm using a bin bag, mirroring Alice's circumstances. Mental health advocates express alarm over the trust's inadequate response to previous incidents, questioning their commitment to patient safety. An internal inquiry found only 17. 2% of self-harm incidents were reported through the NHS risk management system, leaving significant gaps in safety oversight.
The inquiry also noted that all staff assigned to monitor Alice were temporary, suggesting instability in patient care. Critics argue that lessons learned from Alice's death were not effectively implemented, putting other patients at risk. NELFT has since pledged to improve safety measures and record-keeping practices. The case highlights broader issues in mental health care management and accountability.