The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has launched a criminal investigation into an NHS mental health unit following the death of a 17-year-old girl. Lucy Curtis died on New Year's Day 2024 after an incident at the Riverside Adolescent Unit at Blackberry Hill Hospital in Bristol.
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) temporarily closed the unit weeks later, citing internal reviews that “did not provide assurance that the unit could consistently deliver a safe level of care moving forward”. A full inquest into Lucy's death is scheduled for June.
AWP confirmed that the CQC is investigating the care and treatment provided to Lucy, which could lead to prosecution under the Health and Social Care Act for failures resulting in avoidable harm. Sarah Jones, AWP's chief nursing officer, expressed condolences to Lucy's family and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
Lucy's family have declined to comment until the inquest but have been raising money for charity through walking challenges, describing Lucy as “very bright” and “absolutely happy 99 per cent of the time”. The CQC has also declined to comment ahead of the inquest.
The Riverside Adolescent Unit provided specialist care for young people with severe mental health difficulties. Since its closure, patients have been transferred to other units across the West Country. AWP is working on plans for a new specialist child and adolescent mental health service unit in the Bristol area, alongside interim community-based support.
