Teenager 'let down' by Mental Health Unit.

An 18-year-old woman who took her own life at a mental health hospital was let down, her father has said.

Emily Moore's death followed four others in fewer than two years at facilities run by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

Ms Moore, of Shildon, Co Durham, had previously been treated at West Lane Hospital, where Christie Harnett and Nadia Sharif, both 17, died in 2019.

She moved into the care of adult services at Lanchester Road Hospital following her 18th birthday.

Mr Moore said: "The mental health side of things is diabolical. She had been to this trust just three times and she has lost her life. They need to learn and somebody needs to be responsible."

Mr Moore is among campaigners calling for issues at West Lane Hospital to be urgently addressed.

Its inpatient facility has since closed with health and care watchdog, Care Quality Commission, (CQC) has warned that patients were at high risk of "avoidable harm.” A CQC investigation ultimately ruled West Lane Hospital should close.

Chief Executive at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Colin Martin, said: "Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of Emily.

“We are aware of the issues that Mr Moore has raised and we have met him to discuss them. We always carry out a full review when someone under our care dies and as part of this we will carefully look into the family's concerns.

"Findings from the review will be shared with Emily's family and we will also take any immediate actions that are required. We have arranged to keep in touch with Mr Moore to update him and to discuss any other issues or concerns he may have."

At the opening of an inquest into Emily Moore’s death, assistant senior coroner for Darlington, Crispin Oliver, confirmed her death as hypoxic brain injury caused by asphyxiation by hanging.