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The inquest into a 16-year-old who took her own life while staying in a Bolton Hospital will explore whether she should have been detained under the Mental Health Act. Evelin Chacko was found in woodland near the Royal Bolton Hospital on July 13, 2020. She had been in the hospital since being admitted on July 1, 2020, following an overdose at her home in Farnworth, a pre-inquest review heard.
David Illingworth, counsel for the family, expressed concern that Evelin was permitted to freely leave the ward in the days leading up to her death. He said that based on her previous record of self-harm and attempt to take her own life, the family say the hospital should have considered her a “real and immediate risk to her life”. Mr Illingworth said: “The family’s position is that they should have complied with the plan that was formed by the mental health specialists.
” He said that this included “[considering] sectioning Evelin if she did try to leave the ward.” Mr Illingworth said: “But against that background there are repeated references to Evelin coming and going. “One nurse noted that she was leaving the ward for hours at a time.
” He said that there was a “clear and foreseeable risk of self-harm.” An inquest into the death was previously heard in August 2023. The coroner said that she would keep this question of whether she should have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act open for the inquest.
Fraser Livesey, counsel for Royal Bolton Hospital, said that because she was not detained the hospital had no power to stop her. He said: "This was a young person who wasn't restrained in any way under the Mental Health Act. "She wasn't detained and there was no mechanism therefore to do anything further.
READ MORE: 'Missed opportunities' as woman took her own life in Bolton hospital READ MORE: Little Hulton mum died from “barbaric” BBL procedure in Turkey READ MORE: Westhoughton: Concerns over time police spent looking for home The family also asked the coroner if they could have Evelin's diary, which was taken into evidence, returned to them. Mr Illingworth said: “In relation to Evelin’s diary you have in the bundle. “It is being kept with your office and the family would like it back soon, if possible.
” HM Assistant Coroner Bronia Hartley said: “I’m not sure if it’s with our office or with the police, but I will make inquiries. “It is usually not until the conclusion of the final day of the inquest that property is returned to the family but I will let you know as to its whereabouts.” Mr Illingworth said: “I’m sure the family will be glad to hear that it’s being considered.
Thank you madam.” The inquest is scheduled to start on January 20..
