Mother died after "neglect" on Brighton mental health unit

May 2, 2026 - 12:59

Amy Clare Chapman was considered a high-risk patient yet was allowed to leave a Brighton mental health unit alone, an inquest has heard. The 34-year-old woman died after what her family described as a series of failures in her care. The inquest, held at Brighton Coroner's Court, examined the circumstances surrounding her death, which occurred in 2022.

Chapman had been admitted to the Mill View Hospital in Brighton, a facility run by the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. According to testimony, she was classified as a high-risk patient due to her history of self-harm and suicidal ideation. Despite this, she was permitted to go out unaccompanied on the day she died. Her body was later found in a nearby area.

The coroner heard that staff had not followed proper protocols for monitoring high-risk patients. A nurse on the unit admitted that Chapman's departure was not flagged or challenged, and that there was a lack of communication between shifts. The family's lawyer argued that this amounted to neglect, stating that the trust failed in its duty of care.

The trust has since apologized and said it has implemented changes to its procedures, including stricter checks on patient leave and improved handover processes. However, the family said these measures came too late. The inquest continues, with a verdict expected later this week.