What Drives Someone to Quit Their Job, Sell Their Home Twice, and Fight for the Truth for a Decade?

# The Heartbreaking Story of Alice Figueiredo: A Call for Change in Mental Health Care **Summary**: The tragic story of Alice Figueiredo sheds light on the failings within mental health care systems. This article explores her journey, the systemic issues that contributed to her untimely death, and the ongoing fight for accountability and change in mental health practices. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of proper mental health care and the necessary reforms to prevent similar tragedies. ## The Last Conversation: A Mother's Heartbreak On the night of July 6, 2015, Jane Figueiredo had an ordinary phone conversation with her daughter, Alice. "Alice asked me to bring her some snacks for the next time we visited," Jane recalls. That simple exchange marked the last time Jane would hear her daughter's voice. Just hours later, Alice, a patient at Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford, East London, took her own life. She was merely months away from her 23rd birthday. Alice's tragic death was not just a heart-wrenching loss for her family; it was a devastating reminder of the systemic failures within the mental health care system that should have protected her. In October 2023, nearly a decade later, the North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) and the ward manager, Benjamin Aninakwa, were found guilty of health and safety failings in connection with Alice's death. This verdict came after a long and painful journey for Alice's parents, who fought tirelessly to uncover the truth about their daughter's care. ## The Struggle for Accountability The legal battle that Alice's parents undertook was not just about seeking justice for their daughter; it was about holding the mental health system accountable for its actions—or lack thereof. The jury deliberated for 24 days, ultimately finding that NELFT and Aninakwa failed to take adequate measures to prevent Alice from harming herself, despite her known vulnerabilities. Alice's parents, Jane and Max, faced significant financial and emotional tolls during this decade-long journey. They sold their home and left their jobs to focus solely on the case, often living out of hotel rooms as they attended court hearings. "It was important to be there every day," Jane said, emphasizing the need to ensure their daughter's voice was represented in the proceedings. ## Alice's Journey: A Mental Health Crisis Alice Figueiredo was born in 1992, the second of three daughters. From a young age, she exhibited signs of intelligence and creativity, excelling in music and art. However, as she grew, she began to struggle with mental health issues. By the age of 15, Alice was showing symptoms of severe depression and was admitted to a mental health unit for treatment. Alice's struggle with mental health continued throughout her teenage years, marked by multiple hospital admissions. At 19, she was admitted to the Hepworth Ward at Goodmayes Hospital for the first time. Over the next three years, she would spend significant time in and out of the facility, battling severe depression and an eating disorder. Her parents describe her as a deeply thoughtful and caring individual, someone who needed safety and support. However, the care she received during her final admission was far from adequate. ## Life at Hepworth Ward Alice was admitted to the Hepworth Ward for the final time on February 13, 2015. Shortly after her admission, she was detained under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act, meaning she could not leave the ward without the consultant's permission. Initially, Alice was placed under high observation, where staff were required to be within arm's length of her at all times. However, as her condition improved, her observation levels were reduced. Despite these changes, Alice's mental health remained precarious. She experienced bullying from other patients and expressed frustration about her treatment, particularly regarding her eating disorder. Her parents frequently visited, and Jane, who worked as a chaplain within the mental health trust, was particularly concerned about the quality of care her daughter was receiving. ## The Events Leading to Tragedy In the months leading up to Alice's death, her mental health deteriorated. On June 30, 2015, Alice was transferred to King George Hospital for chest pain and was deemed too frail for planned leave upon her return to Hepworth Ward. The following days were marked by emotional turmoil, with Alice exhibiting signs of distress. On July 4, Jane and Max visited Alice and were alarmed by her condition. "She sat there almost in silence, tears rolling down her face," Jane recalled. The stresses of her illness, combined with the chaotic environment of the ward, took a toll on Alice's mental state. Late on the night of July 6, after exchanging loving messages with her boyfriend, Alice sought comfort from a care assistant. Unfortunately, that care assistant was called away to an emergency, leaving Alice vulnerable. When the staff returned, they found Alice unresponsive in the communal toilet, having taken her life using a bin liner. ## The Aftermath: Uncovering the Truth The aftermath of Alice's death was a painful and confusing time for her family. The Trust conducted a Serious Incident report, but Jane and Max felt it was inadequate and lacked accountability. They were shocked to discover that Alice had attempted to self-harm using plastic bags on numerous occasions during her stay, an issue that had not been addressed adequately by the staff. Realizing that they needed to take matters into their own hands, the Figueiredos began conducting their own investigation. They meticulously pieced together evidence, writing their reports and reaching out to authorities, including the Metropolitan Police. Their determination to seek justice for Alice was unwavering. ## The Role of the Mental Health System The case of Alice Figueiredo highlights significant failures within the mental health system. The lack of proper training and consistent staffing contributed to an environment that was not only chaotic but also dangerous. With temporary agency staff filling gaps in the workforce, continuity of care was compromised, leaving patients vulnerable. The trial revealed troubling gaps in communication and record-keeping regarding Alice's care. Many incidents of self-harm went unrecorded, and staff failed to follow protocols designed to keep patients safe. The use of plastic bags, which had been flagged as a risk, continued unchecked, demonstrating a disregard for patient safety. ## A Call for Change In light of the verdict, Jane Figueiredo expressed hope that the outcome would lead to significant changes in psychiatric care across the country. "You need to do far, far better to stop failing those people who you have a duty of care to," she said. The Figueiredos' dedication to advocating for change reflects a broader need for reform in mental health care. Their story serves as a reminder that the systems designed to protect individuals struggling with mental health issues must be held accountable for their actions. ## Moving Forward: Supporting Mental Health Care As we reflect on the heartbreaking story of Alice Figueiredo, it is crucial to consider how we can support mental health care systems to deliver better outcomes for patients. The following measures could help create a more effective and compassionate mental health care environment: 1. **Increased Staffing and Training**: Ensuring that facilities are adequately staffed with trained professionals can reduce chaos and improve patient care. 2. **Improved Communication**: Establishing clear protocols for documenting patient care and incidents can enhance accountability and prevent oversights. 3. **Comprehensive Risk Assessments**: Regular assessments of patient risks, especially in relation to self-harm, can help staff implement necessary precautions. 4. **Patient and Family Involvement**: Encouraging families to be involved in care decisions and ensuring they have access to information can foster a more supportive environment. 5. **Advocacy and Support Services**: Providing resources for families navigating the mental health system can empower them to advocate for their loved ones effectively. ## Conclusion: A Legacy of Change The tragic loss of Alice Figueiredo is a poignant reminder of the importance of accountability within mental health care. It highlights the need for systemic changes to ensure that vulnerable patients receive the care and protection they deserve. As we strive for a more compassionate and effective mental health system, we must remember Alice's story and the countless others who have faced similar challenges. Change is essential, not just for the memory of Alice, but for the future of mental health care. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please seek help. There are resources available to provide support and guidance. ### FAQs

What happened to Alice Figueiredo?

Alice Figueiredo, a mental health patient, tragically took her own life at Goodmayes Hospital in London in July 2015.

What were the findings of the trial related to Alice's death?

The North East London NHS Foundation Trust and ward manager Benjamin Aninakwa were found guilty of health and safety failings, but they were cleared of more serious charges.

What could be done to improve mental health care?

Improvements could include better staffing, improved communication protocols, comprehensive risk assessments, and greater involvement of families in care decisions. ### Final Thoughts Alice Figueiredo's story is a call to action for everyone involved in mental health care. It serves as a reminder that we must prioritize patient safety, advocate for systemic changes, and ensure that no family has to endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one due to systemic failings. How can we work together to create a safer and more compassionate mental health care environment? #MentalHealthAwareness #PatientSafety #AdvocacyForChange