Investigation launched into death of woman on mental health hospital ward

An investigation has been launched into the death of 20-year-old mental health in-patient on a psychiatric hospital ward in Somerset at the weekend.

Jessica Powell, who previously spent a short time living in Swindon and made a number of friends in the town, died in hospital after being admitted in a critical condition.

Police were called to a ‘concern for welfare’ the Rowan Ward at Summerlands Hospital in Yeovil on Friday 19 August. She was admitted to hospital but died on Saturday.

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The NHS Somerset Foundation Trust has begun an investigation “to ensure that we fully understand what happened and to determine what immediate actions are required”.

Her death is currently being treated as unexplained.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We were contacted at about 11pm on Wednesday, August 19 by the ambulance service about a concern for welfare incident they were dealing with at Summerlands Hospital in Yeovil.

“Officers subsequently attended that night. A 20-year-old woman was taken to hospital in a critical condition. She died on Saturday 22 August.

“We are treating her death as unexplained. Enquiries are ongoing and being made on behalf of the coroner.”

If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for support. Contact the Samaritans in confidence and for free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, on 116 123. You can also visit our page of Mental Health Helplines to view a list of relevant organisations.

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