The family of a student who tragically died after being found hanged in a mental health unit are hoping an inquest will provide them with answers.
Lauren Finch, 23, was studying to become a veterinary nurse when she died on September 24, 2018.
Her family described her as an 'intelligent, beautiful, caring and kind girl'.
She had a history of mental ill health and had been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and ‘emotionally unstable personality disorder’ (EUPD).
Lauren, from Wigan, had been receiving care at Westleigh Ward, Atherleigh Park Hospital, for a period of time last September, it is understood.
She was reported to have absconded from the hospital on Sunday, September 16 and found by officers from Greater Manchester Police a short distance away the same day.
Her family claims that when she returned to the ward, she was 'upset and tearful' - and that she sustained 'painful bruising'.
Lauren was detained under the Mental Health Act, but was sadly found hanged in her room the next day on Monday, September 17.
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She died from her injuries a week later.
A nine-day inquest is due to begin before a jury at Bolton Coroners' Court starting next Tuesday (October 1).
Alice Stevens, of Broudie Jackson Canter solicitors, is representing Lauren's family and said she hopes the inquest will explore issues including:
- The management of Lauren’s EUPD
- Lauren’s discharges from hospital and care in the community
- The circumstances surrounding Lauren being able to abscond from hospital
- Risk assessments, observations and record keeping
Police involvement with Lauren and the emergency response on September 16
Alice Stevens, of Broudie Jackson Canter solicitors, said: "Lauren’s death is a tragedy and I hope that her inquest will help answer some of the questions her family have about the circumstances surrounding her death.
"The fact that there was police contact so close to Lauren’s death is a concern which clearly needs to be thoroughly investigated in the inquest."
"I hope that the Trust and Police will look carefully at their involvement with Lauren and make every effort to address the family’s concerns at the inquest."
North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and GMP have been contacted for comment.
Lauren’s family said: "The pain of losing Lauren is unbearable and we miss her every day.
"We hope that the inquest will provide us with the answers as to why Lauren was not kept safe within a mental health unit."
