Keighley, August 5, 2024 – A recent inquest has revealed significant shortcomings in the care provided to a 16-year-old boy who tragically ended his life while grappling with severe mental health issues. Finn Hall, who passed away in November 2022, had struggled with chronic depression and multiple suicide attempts before his death.
The inquest at Bradford Coroner’s Court has uncovered that despite numerous warnings and pleas for help from his family, Finn was not given the intensive care he needed. His mother, Hannah Boothroyd, testified that the Bradford District Care NHS Trust failed to recommend hospital admission, instead suggesting that his family should manage his care at home. Boothroyd criticized the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for what she perceived as insufficient support and a lack of action when Finn’s condition worsened.
Finn had been dealing with emotional dysregulation and self-harm since his early teenage years. According to evidence presented at the inquest, he believed that Christmas of 2022 would be his last, having prepared gifts for his family as a final gesture. Despite these clear signs of escalating distress, his family reported that their concerns were not adequately addressed.
The inquest revealed that a voicemail left by Finn’s family on November 16, raising urgent concerns about his well-being, went unanswered. Additionally, Finn missed an appointment with CAMHS on the same day, which did not prompt a reassessment or escalation of his care. Patient safety adviser Christopher Hardy, who investigated the case, highlighted that there was a notable increase in Finn’s risk level in the days leading up to his death that was not met with a corresponding increase in care provision.
Sadie Booker, the Trust’s head of operations, has assured that the organization is implementing changes based on Hardy’s recommendations, including enhanced staff training and reviewing their processes to prevent future failures.
The coroner is expected to deliver a formal conclusion on Finn Hall’s death on August 8. This case underscores the critical need for responsive and comprehensive mental health care for vulnerable youth and highlights the tragic consequences when such care falls short.