Call for Legal Reform in Mental Health Care Following Student’s Tragic Death
The parents of Bronwen Morgan, a 26-year-old nursing student who died by suicide in 2020, are advocating for significant changes in mental health care laws. They argue for the implementation of shared decision-making, which would involve allowing trusted relatives or friends to participate in a patient’s treatment discussions.
Background on Bronwen Morgan
Diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder in 2019, Bronwen was a student at Cardiff University. An inquest into her death revealed a troubling pattern; despite her attempts to seek help and express dissatisfaction with her care, she was found unresponsive in a hotel in Cardiff. On the day of her passing, she had informed her father she was heading to a friend’s house but instead went to a Premier Inn where her life ended.
Concerns Raised by Family
In the days leading to Bronwen’s demise, her parents communicated their concerns to her healthcare team, emphasizing that they had witnessed a decline in her mental health. “When she did take her life, it wasn’t a surprise to us because we could see it coming,” said Jayne Morgan, Bronwen’s mother. However, due to patient confidentiality, significant information could not be shared with them.
Her father, Haydn Morgan, noted that during care reviews, Bronwen often conveyed that she was “fine,” even when she was struggling. “If somebody else was there, they would be able to be truthful,” he stated, arguing that the presence of a trusted individual could lead to a more honest assessment of the patient’s condition.
The Case for Shared Decision-Making
The Morgans firmly believe that incorporating shared decision-making into legal frameworks could greatly enhance the support received by mental health patients. This approach would ensure that relatives or advocates can provide vital context to healthcare professionals, potentially leading to more accurate treatment plans.
“It’s also another set of ears in the meeting, because the patient might be strongly medicated or find it too difficult to open up in front of a panel,” explained Mr. Morgan. His wife echoed this sentiment, noting that even the involvement of a close friend could help facilitate a more informative discussion about the patient’s needs.
Current Initiatives and Responses
A spokesperson from the Welsh government stated that they extend their condolences to Bronwen’s family and affirmed their commitment to tailoring mental health care to individuals’ needs as a priority within their strategies. Similarly, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board emphasized their focus on safe and compassionate mental health services, highlighting a new family engagement project aimed at improving communication with caregivers.
Call for Action
Mr. Morgan insists on the importance of enforcing adherence to existing guidelines set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which advocates for shared decision-making to empower patients in their treatment choices. “If they’re not following NICE guidelines, then let’s force them to follow them and make it law,” he asserted.
Conclusion
The tragic circumstances surrounding Bronwen Morgan’s death underscore the urgent need for reform in mental health care practices. As her parents continue to advocate for legal changes to ensure patient support, the dialogue around shared decision-making grows increasingly vital in improving mental health outcomes.
