Alice Figueiredo, a 22-year-old with bipolar disorder, died by suicide in July 2015 at Goodmayes Hospital, where she had been treated. Despite previous self-harm incidents, she was moved to a lower observation level, indicating progress. Expert testimony stated this reduction was clinically justified based on her improvement. The ward manager faces manslaughter charges, which NELFT denies as both parties argue they were not negligent regarding her care. The case highlights concerns within mental health care and the challenges of predicting suicidal behavior.
The court heard that in the month before she died, Ms Figueiredo had appeared to be getting better and was moved to a lower level of observations.
Professor Tom Fahy said that lowering the levels of observations she was under was "appropriate and clinically justified", showing progress towards her being well enough to be discharged.
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