Worthing Hospital failings highlighted after woman's death

A coroner has found that a woman who died at Worthing Hospital after severe malnutrition did not receive the consistent mental health care she needed in the two years leading up to her death.

Sarah Healey, 32, was admitted to Worthing Hospital on 4 May 2024 having stopped eating and drinking for two weeks amid fears of a criminal investigation. She was treated for several serious medical conditions and detained under the Mental Health Act until 30 July. She died on 1 August from respiratory failure linked to prolonged malnutrition and a lack of physiological reserve.

Area coroner Joseph Turner said Ms Healey’s avoidant restrictive food intake disorder stemmed from longstanding mental health issues, including anxiety, PTSD and agoraphobia. In a prevention of future deaths report, he concluded that a lack of appropriate and consistent mental health care between January 2022 and March 2024 more than minimally contributed to her death.

The coroner called for better information-sharing and a more collaborative approach between services. Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust apologised to Ms Healey’s family, acknowledging failings and confirming its commitment to ongoing improvements.