Midwife’s Loved Ones Instruct Medical Negligence Lawyers To Investigate And Support Them Through Inquest

The devastated family of a mum-of-five whose body was found near a beauty spot after being granted unescorted leave from a mental health hospital have asked lawyers to secure answers. 

Nicolette McCarthy was granted 15-minute leave from the Woodlands Centre in St Leonards-on-Sea, where she had been a patient for 20 days. 

Staff realised Nicolette was missing 80 minutes after being granted 15-minute leave 

Around 80 minutes later staff realised the 46-year-old was missing. Following searches of the hospital and grounds, police were called and Nicolette’s family, of Uckfield, East Sussex, were informed she was missing. 

However, around 50 minutes before the hospital had called police, Nicolette’s body had been found around 20 miles away near Beachy Head. Nicolette, who had called a taxi to take her to Beachy Head. was pronounced dead at the scene.  

East Sussex family asks lawyers to secure answers after Nicolette's death     

Following the death of Nicolette, a midwifery matron at Crowborough Birthing Centre, her family instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care and help secure answers at an inquest. 

Nicolette’s husband, Scott, aged 49, has now spoken for the first time about the family’s loss and how they hope the upcoming inquest will provide them with the “answers they deserve.” 

Thomas Riis-Bristow is the expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Nicolette’s family.

Expert Opinion

“Scott and the rest of Nicolette’s family remain devastated by her tragic death and the circumstances surrounding it. Understandably they continue to have a number of concerns.

“While nothing can bring Nicolette back, the inquest is a major milestone in being able to provide her loved ones with the answers they deserve.

“If during the course of the inquest any issues in the care Nicolette received are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety.” Thomas Riis-Bristow

Nicolette admitted to unit after deterioration in her mental health

Nicolette had a history of mental health issues. She had been known to Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust since 2003 and had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

She was admitted to the Woodlands Centre on 30 August, 2023, as a voluntary patient after a deterioration in her mental health. 

On 6 September Nicolette was detained under the Mental Health Act. 

On 19 September Nicolette was granted permission to leave the ward for a 15-minute unescorted smoking break. Nicolette left the unit around 2.30pm. During a patient safety check at 3pm she was recorded as ‘on leave’. 

However, an hour later during general patient checks at 4pm, she was identified as absent.

Staff tried to call Nicolette, but her phone was not receiving calls. The hospital contacted police at 5pm to report her missing and Nicolette’s family, who visited her daily, were informed. 

However, Nicolette had been found near the beauty spot around 50 minutes earlier. Police and The Coastguard had been called.  

Family pays tribute to Nicolette as they seek answers over her death

Scott, a software development consultant, said: “Nicolette was a cherished and much-loved wife, mum, sister, daughter and a friend to many. She was adored by everyone and we remain devastated by her death.

“Nicolette was devoted, loving, caring and empathetic. She was a special person who was beautiful inside and out. Not only were we blessed to have her in our lives but through her work she touched the lives of so many people, helping new families start out in life. There’s not a day goes by that we don’t think of her and miss her. 

“The world is a darker place for not having Nicolette in our lives and it’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the feeling of loss we’ve been left to face. If it wasn’t for the pain we live with every day it almost wouldn’t seem real that Nicolette is no longer with us. 

“I know the inquest and listening to the evidence around Nicolette’s death is going to be incredibly upsetting, but it’s something our family have to do to get the answers we and Nicolette deserve.”

Nicolette also leaves behind grown up children Elspeth Gamble and Duncan Gamble, aged 28 and 25 respectively, as well as three younger children aged between six and 14.

The inquest with a jury into Nicolette’s death is due to start at midday on 4 November at Muriel Matters House in Hastings. It is expected to last five days.