A criminal investigation has been launched by the UK's healthcare watchdog following the death of a teenager admitted to an NHS mental health unit. Lucy Curtis, aged 17, died on New Year's Day in 2024 after an incident at Riverside Adolescent Unit at Blackberry Hill Hospital in Bristol.
Closure and Investigation
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) temporarily closed the site weeks later after internal reviews 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 set to take place in June.
This week, AWP confirmed that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) had started an investigation into the care and treatment of the teenager, which could potentially lead to prosecution for failures to provide safe care resulting in avoidable harm. Any prosecution would be brought under the Health and Social Care Act.
Trust Response
Sarah Jones, chief nursing officer for AWP, said: 'The trust extends its deepest condolences to Lucy's family, and we continue to meet with them to provide updates and support. We are aware of the CQC's investigation and will co-operate fully. This sits alongside our support for the previous reviews already undertaken and the forthcoming inquest into Lucy's death. We are committed to addressing every concern raised and to delivering improvements swiftly, safely, and transparently.'
Family Tribute
The family of Lucy have decided to hold back making comment until the full inquest. Since her death, they have been raising money for charity through a series of walking challenges. In a tribute, they said that Lucy, who worked at a cafe near Thornbury, was 'very bright' and 'absolutely happy 99 per cent of the time'.
The CQC would not comment ahead of the inquest. The Independent understands that the health watchdog would notify the public if any action were to be taken in due course.
Future of Services
The Riverside Adolescent Unit provided highly specialist care for young people with the most serious mental health difficulties. Since its closure, patients have been admitted to other units across the West Country. AWP has said it is committed to opening a new specialist child and adolescent mental health service unit in the Bristol area, but is also developing community-based support and exploring local privately-run services, including for young people requiring specialist eating disorders care.
Ms Jones said: 'As we work with partners to design a modern, high-quality service for the future, we are equally focused on having reliable interim plans in place which include access to care as close to home as possible.'
