Grieving mum took own life while on unsupervised leave from mental health hospital – just months after newborn baby died
A GRIEVING mum took her own life just seven months after the death of her one-day-old baby, an inquest heard.
Kath Brace, 32, was left heartbroken when son Otis passed away following complications in March 2022.
As a result, the teacher was admitted to mental health hospital The Stonebow Unit in Hereford around seven months after the tragedy.
Despite taking an overdose after being granted unsupervised leave, Kath was later allowed out without an escort again.
Her brother found the mum’s body in woodland just a short distance from the unit around nine hours later.
An inquest jury has now found failings in Kath’s care were “contributory factors” in the lead-up to her “self-inflicted” death.
Kath and partner Dan Berry were delighted to discover they were expecting baby Otis in 2021.
The mum went into labour at 33 weeks but the baby tragically died the following day.
Kate’s mental health began to deteriorate and she spent nearly four weeks in hospital as an informal voluntary patient that May.
Following an overdose attempt on June 17, 2022, she was detained under the Mental Health Act.
Kath was released but she continued to struggle and was forced to postpone her wedding to Dan, the inquest heard.
On September 15, she was detained again after another overdose but will still given unsupervised leave from the unit.
Nine days later, Kath made two attempts on her life and her unescorted leave was removed.
However, this decision was reversed by October 9 when Kath told the unit she was going to buy a coffee but would be back in time for a visit from her mum.
Tragically, Kath was discovered in woodland just hours later.
The jury returned a narrative conclusion, endorsing the findings of the Trust’s own report those failings were contributory factors in the lead up to Kath’s death.
Kath's family pay tribute
Kath’s family have now spoken for the first time about their loss and campaigning to improve maternity bereavement care and mental health support.
Her mum Angie Brace said: “Kath was a beautiful, loving and caring person inside and out.
“She was at her happiest when helping others, she would do anything to see you smile. Kath’s love of life was infectious.
“Her life was good. She had bought a house with her fiancé which they were renovating and were planning on marrying.
“When Kath found out she was expecting Otis she felt so blessed, and she and Dan were facing the future with so much hope and excitement.
“However, sadly that all changed when Otis tragically passed away.
“Kath went from being the optimistic and upbeat person we all knew to one who really struggled with her mental health.
“Each time she went into hospital we hoped that she would receive the care and support she needed and long awaited care plan, that was never forthcoming, to help her get better.
“However, even once back home we remained concerned for Kath.
“It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe what the last year or so and coming to terms with what happened has been like.
“Kath had so much to give and it breaks all our hearts she’s no longer with us. Our family will forever remain heartbroken.
“The world is a much darker place without her.
“We’d do anything to have Kath back in our lives, but we know that’s not possible.
“All we can hope for now is that by speaking out we can improve care for others.
“We wouldn’t wish the hurt and pain we continue to face daily on anyone else.”
Aimee Brackfield, a specialist public law and human rights lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Kath’s family, said: “This is a truly tragic case which has left Kath’s family devastated.
“Understandably for the past 18 months they’ve had a number of questions and concerns about the care Kath received and the events leading up to her death.
“While nothing can make up for their loss, we’re pleased that we’ve at least been able to provide them with the answers they deserve.
“However, the inquest and the Hospital Trust’s own report have identified worrying issues in Kath’s care.
“It’s vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety for others.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.