Felpham doctors criticised over suicide case

The Healthcare Commission carried out an independent review into the care provided by Flansham Park Surgery to Larissa (Lara) Edgell. The review had been requested by the parents of Ms Edgell who hanged herself alone in her Felpham home during the night of April 2/3, 2006. She was 34.

Ms Edgell, who suffered attacks of depression, was on sick leave from her job as community parks officer of Arun District Council and had attended the Bedales psychiatric centre in Bognor Regis.

After her death, the surgery held a significant event analysis but the independent reviewer '“ Dr Weinstock '“ found the outcome disappointing because no 'learning outcomes' had been identified.

He recommended the practice, formerly the Felpham and Middleton Health Centre, should hold a second significant event analysis.

He said it 'should reflect on how the practice may have made better use of a symptom score in assessing the severity of Larissa's depression'.

He also said more effort could have been made in gauging her level of social support.

He urged as well that 'the practice should reflect on the guidance relating to the increased risk at times of medication change and whether adequate support was available to Larissa during these times'.

Finally, Dr Weinstock said, the practice should reflect on whether it could have been more pro-active in ensuring Ms Edgell's contacts with the Bedale centre were maintained.

A statement issued by Alison Cockburn, the health centre's practice manager on behalf of its doctors, said: "We were terribly saddened and sorry to hear of the tragic death of Miss Edgell and our sympathies go to her family.

"We note the recommendations made by the Healthcare Commission and we will, of course, take action accordingly.

"We cannot comment further on the case because we have a duty of confidentiality."

Ms Edgell's parents, David and Kay Edgell, from Brockenhurst in Hampshire, said they welcomed the commission's findings.

Mrs Edgell said: "Lara was like a brilliant shooting star in our lives. If her tragedy leads to better treatment for others, we will be glad.

"We want doctors and health administrators to address the inadequacies of the mental health service and make it improve."

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