The heartbroken parents of Ruth Szymankiewicz have spoken out after a coroner's inquest revealed shocking failures in the care of their 17-year-old daughter at Huntercombe Hospital in Taplow.
Systemic Failures Exposed
The inquest heard how Ruth, who was being treated for complex mental health needs, died after multiple opportunities to prevent her death were missed by staff at the private mental health facility. Coroner Alison McCormick identified several critical failures in Ruth's care plan and monitoring.
Parents' Anguish
Ruth's parents described their daughter as "a bright, creative soul" who deserved proper care. "We trusted them with our vulnerable daughter," her mother told the inquest, "and they failed her at every turn."
Hospital Under Scrutiny
Huntercombe Hospital, which provides specialist mental health services for young people, now faces serious questions about:
- Staff training and supervision
- Risk assessment procedures
- Emergency response protocols
Call for Reform
The case has prompted calls for urgent reform in how young people with complex mental health needs are treated in specialist facilities. Mental health charities have demanded immediate action to prevent similar tragedies.
This devastating case highlights the ongoing crisis in adolescent mental health services across the UK, with experts warning that underfunding and staff shortages continue to put vulnerable young lives at risk.
