BBC News | A hospital trust and a staff member have been found guilty of health and safety failings over the death of a young woman in a mental health unit.
Alice Figueiredo, 22, was being treated at Goodmayes Hospital, east London, when she took her own life in July 2015, having previously made several attempts.
Following a seven-month trial at the Old Bailey, a jury found that neither North East London Foundation NHS Trust (NELFT) nor ward manager Benjamin Aninakwa did enough to prevent her death.
The trust was cleared of corporate manslaughter; Aninakwa was cleared of gross negligence manslaughter.
The jury deliberated for 24 days—a record for British justice—before convicting both under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act.
Speaking to Alice’s family, Judge Richard Marks KC praised her “immense love” and said he hoped the verdict offered some consolation.
Alice had been on close observation but was able to self-harm repeatedly; warnings about bin bags on the ward were not fully heeded.
Prosecutors criticised poor recording of incidents and Aninakwa’s leadership. He had been on a three-year performance plan until December 2014, and agency-staff turnover was high.
Alice’s mother described the “intense pain” of her loss but remembered her daughter’s quick wit and humour. Her family pressed both police and CPS for action over nearly a decade.
NELFT is only the second NHS trust to face corporate manslaughter. Dr Victoria Roper of Northumbria University says such charges are reserved for the very worst management failings.
Mental-health campaigners regard this case as a reminder that inpatient care still fails too many vulnerable people.
