Loved Ones Instruct Lawyers To Secure Answers Into Death Of Young Woman Who Was On Five-Minute Observations

The mum of a teenager who died after spending five months on a psychiatric intensive care unit is hoping an inquest will end her five-year wait for answers.

Cariss Stone, aged 19, had been detained under the Mental Health Act when she was found unresponsive in the bathroom of her room on the Holford Ward at Wellsprings Hospital in Taunton. She had been detained on the intensive care unit for several months and was awaiting a more suitable placement.

At the time, Cariss, who had been known to mental health services since the age of 15 and had been detained six times previously, was on a regime that mandated observations every five-minutes in order to prevent Cariss from self-harming. 

After being found unresponsive, Cariss was taken to hospital. However, following advice from doctors, a decision was made to withdraw life-sustaining treatment. She died on 11 August, 2019, two days after she was found in her room.

Cariss' mum and brother asks lawyers to help secure answers regarding her care

Cariss’ mum, Gina Schiraldi and brother, Luke Stone, of Street, Somerset, have now spoken for the first time about their loss. Ahead of the inquest, they have paid tribute to the “beautiful, bright and compassionate young woman”. 

They will be represented at the hearing by specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell and Scarlett Milligan of 39 Essex Street Chambers.

Alexander Terry is the expert public law and human rights lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Gina and Luke.

Expert Opinion

“Cariss’ mum and brother have spent the last five years trying to come to terms with Cariss’ death. This has been made even more painful by the significant wait they have endured for an inquest to be held.

“Gina and Luke have many unanswered questions and concerns regarding what happened to Cariss. They are looking to the coroner to hold a full and fearless investigation into Cariss’ death.

“This is yet another tragic case of a young person who has died while under the care of mental health services. While nothing can ever make up for their loss, we’ll support Gina and Luke through this inquest so they can at least be provided with the answers they deserve.

“If during the course of the inquest any issues are identified in Cariss’ care, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety.” Alexander Terry

Mental health: Cariss Stone's story

Between 2014 and 2018 Cariss had been admitted to hospital four times after being diagnosed with an eating disorder. 

In March 2019, Cariss, who was studying health and social care at Strode College in Street, was detained under the Mental Health Act. This was the third period of detention since January 2019 and her seventh overall. 

She was initially admitted to St Andrew’s Ward at Priory Health Park in Wells, run by Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, on 22 March, 2019. Cariss was transferred between various wards before being admitted to Holford Ward, a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU), also run by the NHS Trust, in June 2019. 

She remained at the unit until she was found unresponsive on the afternoon of 9 August, 2019.

Mum Gina pays tribute to caring and compassionate daughter ahead of inquest

Gina said: “Cariss was a very bright girl who enjoyed learning. While at school Cariss completed a Mensa test in which her IQ was found to be 156. 

“She had a very caring and compassionate and empathetic nature. She loved being a volunteer police cadet and even while facing her own difficulties, she was  concerned for others who were struggling in the world. 

“When Cariss was well, she was bright and bubbly and full of energy and ideas. She was very good at organising things and she loved music. She would organise going to gigs with her friends and would have the time of her life.

“Cariss was a very special and beautiful young lady who had a lot to offer to the world. She was a bright, caring compassionate young woman with the biggest cheeky smile. She wanted to make the world a more caring and just place for everyone. 

“While it’s approaching five years since we lost Cariss, time has stood still for us. We still have many concerns about what happened and whether more could have been done to help her. We would do anything to have Cariss back in our lives.

“The least we can do is now honour her memory by establishing answers for Cariss.” 

An inquest into Cariss’ death is due to take place at Wells Town Hall starting on Tuesday, 2 April. It’s expected to last up to 10 days.

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.