Changes to mental health assessment procedures implemented following death of mum, 56

Mental heath assessment procedures have been tightened up at a health authority following the death of a Fylde woman who had a history of self-harm, an inquest heard.

Giselle Monro, 56, was found unresponsive at her Warton home in October last year, just two days after a clinical discussion meeting regarding her case decided she did not meet the threshold to be accepted by the community team for mental health care.

The CDM of health professionals at the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust followed several consultation Mrs Monro after she had contacted mental health services on the urging of er husband Allan in August after admitting thoughts of self-harm.

Mr Monro told the inquest at Blackpool Town Hall that his wife had previously had thought of self-harm some years earlier but had since a long period without any.

After the latest episode, the mum of one had an appointment with a mental health professional on October 9 and was told her case would be assessed and her medication reviewed.

But, on October 15, the CDM decided she did not meet the required threshold and to add to the family’s frustration, there was no record available of exactly what was discussed at the CDM.

Mr Monro told the inquest that his wife’s new bout of anxiety which prompted him to contact mental health services, had been largely brought on by changes at her workplace.

She was found unresponsive on the morning of October 17.

Blackpool and Fylde senior coroner Alan Wilson, returning a conclusion of suicide, said it was clear that Mrs Monro’s risk of self-harm ad gone underappreciated but he stopped short of saying that with difference care there might have been a different outcome.

Mr Wilson said he was satisfied that there had been a through review of the case and the Trust – which looks after mental health services on the Fylde coast – confirmed changes had been implemented and procedures tightened since.

Following Mrs Monro’s funeral earlier this year, celebrant Richard Spedding said: “The outpouring of love at Lytham Crematorium for the funeral of Giselle Monro was truly heartwarming.

“Giselle’s passion for working in hospitality shone through her years at the Coach House in Lytham, and she brightened mornings at The Villa in Wrea Green with her famous breakfast shifts.”