Teenager who killed herself looked at suicide guides online
Probe into death of schoolgirl, 13, who killed herself after researching online ‘suicide guides’ to focus whether she received adequate NHS care before the tragedy
- Sophie Parkinson, 13, first sought mental health support at the age of seven
- She later chatted to adults about suicide and self-harm and died five years ago
- Her mother Ruth Moss, 47, blames NHS Tayside, which will be probed in 2020
Sophie Parkinson, 13, was found dead at her family home in Liff, near Dundee
NHS bosses are to be probed over the death of a teenage girl who killed herself after looking at ‘suicide guides’ online.
Sophie Parkinson, 13, was found dead at her family home in Liff, near Dundee, in March 2014.
Records show she had been chatting to adults online and looking at guides on how to kill yourself and self-harm.
Her mother, Ruth Moss, 47, has blamed NHS Tayside for the death, claiming that Sophie would be alive had she received better care.
She is suing the health board over claims they dismissed two previous suicide attempts as ‘childish cries for help’.
Today a court heard a fatal accident inquiry will begin next year to probe whether NHS care in Sophie’s case was adequate and could have prevented her death.
Steven Quither, procurator fiscal depute to the inquiry, told the court: ‘It will be about the run-up, if I can put it like that, and what steps were taken to safeguard the life of the deceased.’
Mr Quither said the crown had commissioned reports from a psychiatrist and a psychologist who have both reviewed what action had been taken.
The court heard that lawyers were also reviewing a list of documents and possible witnesses compiled by Sophie’s family.
Gavin Anderson, the legal representative for Sophie’s school – the High School of Dundee – said they were trying to recover documents taken from the school by Dundee City Council after Sophie’s death as part of the local authority’s own investigation.
Mr Anderson said Sophie’s pupil progress report and the independent school’s child protection file had not yet been returned by the council.
Sheriff Tom Hughes ordered that a further preliminary hearing should be held on November 25th, to ensure all is ready for the evidential stage of the inquiry, which is expected to last five days.
Today a court heard a fatal accident inquiry will begin next year to probe whether NHS care in Sophie’s case was adequate and could have prevented her death. She is pictured with her mother Ruth Moss who blames NHS Tayside for her death
Sheriff Hughes said: ‘This is a very tragic situation, and a complex one.’
Outside court, Mrs Moss said she was pleased the investigation had finally reached court.
She said: ‘I have a real mix of emotions today, but it’s a relief that the inquiry is finally starting.’
She last year said NHS Tayside’s Child and Adolescent Health Services had not provided enough support to Sophie following her initial two suicide attempts.
Mrs Moss said she believed NHS Tayside’s risk assessments were ‘hugely inadequate’.
The probe, at Dundee Sheriff Court, is taking place after the Lord Advocate, Scotland’s most senior law officer, ruled that it should be held as Sophie’s death gives rise to ‘serious public concern’.
A spokesman for NHS Tayside said: ‘As this is a legal matter we are unable to comment. Every suicide is a tragedy and our thoughts remain with the family.’
For confidential support 24/7 in the UK, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or email [email protected]
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