United Kingdom

The 35-year-old beloved mother, who suffered “more trauma than anyone has to endure”, died weeks after being discharged from hospital

A mother who suffered severe trauma was “troubled” by a major mental illness before her death on a railway line – just weeks after leaving the hospital, an investigation has been heard. Coroner Christopher Morris will now write to the government and local mental health officials with concerns about the treatment of Kate Hedges before her death at the age of 35.

The mother of one child, who was a qualified cosmetic therapist and owner of a successful cleaning business, died on November 27, 2020, after being hit by a train at Gatley Station. It came just a month after she was discharged from the hospital after seeing her mental health deteriorate over the summer, leading to “manic” episodes.

After recounting her death, Coroner Christopher Morris told Ms. Hedges’ family: “Kate was a remarkable person – a person full of character, color, energy and vitality. You must miss her terribly every day.”

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In a coronation trial in South Manchester this week, the court heard that Ms Hedges had been raped, coerced and harassed earlier in her life, which Mr Morris described as “much more trauma than anyone else’s. he has to endure. ” She was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and showed some symptoms of psychosis.

Ms. Hedges has experienced suicidal thoughts but has never acted against them before – as the desire to raise her son, who has autism, is a key factor in helping her avoid the end of her life. But in August 2020, Ms. Hedges’ mental health deteriorated and showed “increasingly manic behavior” that worried friends and family.

Kate Hedges (Image: Facebook)

She was admitted to the Royal Hospital in Manchester on August 25, separated under the Mental Health Act and transferred to the Medlock Ward at Trafford General Hospital, which is run by the NHS Foundation Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation (GMMH). The court heard that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but she was trying to accept it.

Ms. Hedges was transferred to the Bronte Ward at Wythenshawe Hospital on 9 September. She was given leave, but her family described continuing “manic” episodes when she was out of the hospital. Her family expressed concern about the lack of communication with GMMH, especially about the leave allowance and her decision to be discharged from the hospital on October 27, as well as next month.

The investigation also heard concerns about two defense issues – with Ms. Hedges, who claims she was attacked by staff at the Medlock ward in September, who was denied by nurses and then inappropriately touched by another patient. in the Bronte ward next month. The medical examiner, Mr Morris, asked GMMH whether Ms Hedges had received sufficient support in each case, as a person with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder.

The court heard that Ms Hedges was optimistic in early November 2020 before moving home, but soon withdrew and said she was in a bad mood, although she was still considered a “low risk” “From self-harm. Ms. Hedges was last seen by her son when he went to school on November 27, before getting off the rails at Gatley Station at around 1:45 p.m. and being hit by a speeding train.

Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write about how you feel or if you are worried about being eavesdropped on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org, write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find the nearest branch.

For support for people who feel suicidal if you are worried about someone or if you are saddened by suicide, see

CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a hotline for men who have fallen or hit a wall for some reason who need to talk or find information and support. They are open from 17:00 to midnight, 365 days a year.

Greater Manchester Victim Death Service The Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help find support for anyone in Greater Manchester who is grieving or affected by death. No one should feel alone while dealing with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk

Childline (0800 1111) maintains a helpline for children and young people in the United Kingdom. Calls are free and the number will not be displayed on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organization supporting teenagers and young adults who feel suicidal.

Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information on eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult helpline: 0808 801 0677, student helpline: 0808 801 0811, youth telephone: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Care for anorexia and bulimia: ABC provides ongoing care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those who are struggling personally and parents, family and friends. Hotline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, in a bad mood or have suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org

For information and links to charities and organizations that can help with substance abuse, visit

In the last session of evidence today (Friday), Adam Morris, manager of hospital and emergency services at GMMH, told the investigation that a number of measures have already been put in place to improve communication. He said patients were asked for the names of “everyone significant” – such as relatives or carers – within 72 hours of admission and whether GMMH was allowed to contact them with updates about their condition.

At the time of his discharge, Mr Morris told the investigator that he “hoped” that relatives would be informed of the potential discharge well in advance so that they could be provided with useful information. He also told the court that GMMH has a 24-hour window to protect issues that need to be reviewed – such as allegations of inappropriate touching by a patient and assault by a staff member on the ward made by Ms Hedges.

But the issue of non-compliance is one of the two things the coroner said he would write to Neil Twait, GMMH’s chief executive, along with the various record keeping systems used by those offering different therapy. Christopher Morris said it was “very easy to predict a very real risk of death” from any problem.

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He should also write to Health Minister Sajid Javid in another report on preventing future deaths, on mental health trusts that have appropriate training, equipment and facilities for trauma-related therapy. Summing up, Coroner Mr Morris said he could not give a brief conclusion on suicide based on the evidence he heard.

He said: “At other times, Kate chose life, no matter what suicidal thoughts she had. However, the evidence from the British Transport Police suggests a very clear intention around the point of her death to end her life. I do not feel that a simple conclusion about suicide would be adequate or simply reflect her intentions. “

Concluding, Mr Morris said: “Kate Hedges died as a result of injuries sustained when she got in the way of the train while her balance of mind was upset by a severe mental illness.” However, Mr Morris noted that Ms Hedges “has the ability to decide to leave the hospital” on 27 October and that further discussions with her family may not have led to her remaining in the Bronte ward.

Kate Hedges (Image: Family Stuff)

Maya Hedges, Kate’s sister, said: “With her talent and creativity, our beautiful Kate was a force to be reckoned with. Although we know we can never bring her back, we hope that action will be taken to prevent other families from experiencing such a devastating, unnecessary loss.

“Now we have to learn to live with the hole in the shape of Kate in our lives. She was a sister, a daughter, a friend, a mother, an aunt, an inspiration and a warrior. She fought her own demons all her life, strong, brave, and yet so tender, kind, and witty.

“Kate wanted to make so many changes to mental health services to help other service users have a better experience. Although Kate is not here, we want and will make as many of these changes as possible in her honor. She is immeasurably missing and is madly loved and always will be. The world is a much sadder place without her here. ”

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