Tragic Death of 12-Year-Old Mia Lucas
A serious failure to communicate a critical incident occurred just hours before a 12-year-old girl took her own life while detained at a specialist psychiatric unit, an inquest has been told. Mia Lucas, previously a 'fun, bubbly girl with a real joy for life', died on January 29 last year after wrapping items around her throat at the Becton Centre in Sheffield.
A Life Full of Promise Cut Short
Mia was a physically healthy child who loved horse-riding and had ambitions to start a nail business or become a vet. However, her life changed dramatically after she suffered 'intense' bullying at school. This led to her hearing voices and becoming 'irritable and agitated', culminating in an acute psychotic episode.
She was first admitted to the Queen's Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham on New Year's Eve and was later sectioned under the Mental Health Act. Due to her age, she was transferred to the nine-bed Emerald Lodge at the Becton Centre on January 9, a facility chosen as one of the few that accepts patients under 13.
Missed Warnings and Communication Failures
The jury at Sheffield Coroner's Court heard that on the morning of her death, at around 6am on January 29, Mia had used an item of bedding as a ligature in a self-harming attempt. Crucially, this incident was not recorded in the 9am handover notes.
Consultant psychiatrist Dr Danielle Lavelle stated she was not made aware of the attempt until after Mia's death, confirming, 'I would expect it to be in the handover notes.' Later that same day, Mia had spoken positively about future plans, including a trip to New York, giving staff 'no indication she wanted to take her own life'.
The inquest was told of a pattern of concerning behaviour prior to this final event:
- Mia had previously tied other items around her neck after being admitted to QMC.
- She had expressed desires to 'go to heaven' on several occasions.
- On January 15, she reported a nightmare about being strangled and had a red rash on her neck, which she later said was self-inflicted.
- On January 18, she pulled out a chunk of her hair and later emerged from a shower with an item around her neck.
- On January 26, she again tied something round her neck after becoming angry about not being allowed to use her iPad.
Systemic Challenges and Ongoing Inquest
The facility was reportedly struggling with staffing levels, which impacted its ability to ensure Mia's needs were 'appropriately met'. Despite being under close observation, meaning a staff member was within arm's length during the day, she was tragically found unresponsive in her room shortly after 11pm on January 29 with bedding around her neck.
Senior coroner Tanyka Rawden has instructed jurors to consider several key points, including the causes of Mia's changed behaviour, her placement at the Becton Centre, and the crucial 'risk assessments around self-harm'.
The inquest continues.
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