Family Instructs Lawyers To Help Support Them Through Hearing Into Death Of 20-Year-Old Who Was "Beautiful Inside And Out"

The parents of Lauren Bridges are hoping an inquest will provide “vital answers” regarding the death of their daughter who spent seven months in a mental health hospital 300 miles from home.

Lauren, aged 20, was an inpatient at the privately-run Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal, near Stockport, when she was found unresponsive on 24 February last year. 

Lauren, who had been admitted to psychiatric units eight times in the three years before she was sent to Cheadle Royal, was taken to hospital and her family rushed the six hours to be at her bedside. 

However, the following day a clinical decision was made in consultation with Lauren’s loved ones to withdraw her life support.

Lauren's family asks lawyers to help establish answers

Following Lauren’s death, her mum Lindsey, 44, of Bournemouth, instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care and support her through an inquest. 

An inquest examining the circumstances surrounding Lauren’s death, is now due to be held. 

Cheadle Royal is psychiatric hospital which the Priory website describes as offering a range of “inpatient mental health services for young people and adults”. Lauren was a patient in a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU). PICUs are designed to be short-term placements for patients “suffering from an acute phase of severe mental illness,” the website adds. 

Expert Opinion

“Coming to terms with Lauren’s tragic death and the circumstances surrounding it has been so painful for Lindsey and the rest of her family.

“Understandably they have many questions about the events that unfolded in the lead up to her death.

“Human rights law promotes independent living and requires that the care in psychiatric hospital units is necessary and protects life. Despite previous government pledges to reduce the number of autistic and learning-disabled people in hospital settings, we continue to see too many families with concerns about these units and their loved ones’ care.

“Behind every statistic is a heart-breaking story of how families are being kept apart.

“While nothing can make up for her loss, we’re determined to support Lauren’s family to help them obtain the vital answers they deserve.

“If during the course of the hearing any issues are identified, it is important that lessons are learned to improve care for other patients.” Alexander Terry

Lauren Bridges' story

Lauren, had two younger brothers Bobby, 11, and Alfie, who died aged two in 2010. She was first referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) aged 15. 

After passing her GCSEs, Lauren started studying A Levels and aspired to be a doctor or a paediatric nurse. 

She was first admitted to a psychiatric unit in October 2018, on a voluntary basis just as she was about to turn 17. 

Over the coming years she was admitted to units a further seven times. Her ninth admission was to Cheadle Royal in July 2021.

Mum Lindsey hopes inquest will honour daughter's memory

Lindsey said: “Lauren was a straight-A student and wanted to use her life to help others. It was awful having her so far away from home but despite everything we tried to focus on the future and Lauren coming home to us. 

“We talked about her going to university and her fulfilling her dreams. She was really excited about this. We were looking at courses and I’d manage to get her an education healthcare plan that would support her through university.  

“As soon as I saw the phone ring in the middle of the night I just knew something had happened to Lauren. Those hours travelling to be with her and then in hospital will stay with me forever. Having to make the decision that her life support should be withdrawn is the hardest thing I’ll ever have to do and is something I’ll never get over. 

“Lauren showed everyone who knew her how to be a better person. She was the kindest, most caring, considerate human being I’m sure I’ll ever meet. She gave so much joy and love to everyone that knew her and made me the proudest parent.

“Lauren wasn’t just my daughter - she was my best friend and she was beautiful inside and out. 

“It’s difficult to find the words to describe what these last few months and trying to come to terms with Lauren’s death has been like. The pain that has been left in our lives is unbearable. 

“I’d do anything to have Lauren back in our lives but sadly I know that’s not possible. I know the inquest is going to be incredibly upsetting, but I owe it to Lauren to honour her memory by at least establishing the answers as to why she died.”

An inquest into Lauren’s death is due to start at Stockport Coroner’s Court on Monday, 20 February, and is expected to last up to two weeks.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families concerned about the care their loved ones are receiving at our dedicated protecting your rights section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.