A Nottingham schoolgirl, aged 12, passed away shortly after being placed in a specialized children’s mental health facility, as revealed in an inquest. Mia Lucas tragically ended her life at the Becton Centre for Children and Young People in Sheffield in January of the previous year. Initially taken to Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham, Mia was diagnosed with an “acute psychotic episode” and subsequently sectioned under the Mental Health Act before being moved to the children’s hospital.
In a recent statement, Mia’s grieving mother expressed her sorrow, highlighting Mia’s previous joyful demeanor and emphasizing the potential for recovery with appropriate care. Described by her family as a vibrant and cheerful girl, Mia began exhibiting concerning behaviors, including self-imposed restrictions on eating and escalating violence, just a few months after starting secondary school.
An investigation into Mia’s untimely death commenced at Sheffield’s Medico Legal Centre. During her brief stay at the children’s hospital, Mia made multiple suicide attempts using items from her room, culminating in the tragic incident that claimed her life. Addressing Mia’s family, Senior Coroner Tanyka Rawden acknowledged the upcoming challenging period for them.
The coroner detailed that Mia passed away on January 30, 2024, while under the Mental Health Act detainment at the Becton Centre in Beighton, Sheffield. Providing insight into Mia’s mental health journey, the coroner urged the jury to consider various factors, including Mia’s history, placement at the Becton Centre, and the care she received, particularly focusing on risk assessments related to self-harm.
Rebecca Keating, the Clinical Director at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation, testified during the hearing, as Mia was initially treated in Nottingham before being transferred to Sheffield. The first contact with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) team was initiated on New Year’s Eve 2023, prompted by concerns raised by Mia’s grandmother about her erratic behavior.
Following the CAMHS crisis team’s evaluation, Mia was admitted to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottinghamshire for psychiatric and mental health assessments. Despite an agreement that Mia should not be discharged after assessments on January 1, 2024, challenges arose due to the limited availability of mental health facilities for patients under 13.
After careful consideration, it was determined that the Becton Centre could adequately cater to Mia’s needs. The Nottingham CAMHS team maintained contact with Mia and her family post-discharge, with a visit made to Mia on January 29. Tragically, Mia was discovered unresponsive in her room by staff on the same evening and, despite efforts, was pronounced dead the following day at the hospital.
Further testimonies from Nottingham and Sheffield NHS trusts are anticipated during the ongoing inquest, expected to last for ten days. For mental health assistance, individuals can reach out to the Samaritans via phone, email, or their website.