A single mistake, a lifetime of heartache
Approximately one in four adults in England will experience a mental health problem each year. During these challenging times, people are often incredibly vulnerable. A single failure in their care can lead to a lifetime of heartache for their loved ones.
The tragic case of Alice Figueiredo is one such example. The 22-year-old took her own life while she was an inpatient at Goodmayes Hospital, which is run by the North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT). Alice had attempted to harm herself on 18 previous occasions. In June 2025, an Old Bailey jury found the NHS mental health trust guilty of health and safety breaches.
This is not the first time that NELFT has been in the spotlight following the death of a patient. Serious concerns have been raised in relation to 20 patient deaths over the last 10 years. In two cases, patient notes were found to have been falsified: one patient was recorded eating breakfast three days after his death1.
This is just one example of the shocking and persistent care failings at NHS Trusts across England. Whether it’s a misdiagnosis, a surgical error, a dispensing mistake or a birth injury, thousands of people are being let down every year by a strained NHS.
Clinical negligence isn’t just a problem within the NHS. With more people turning to private practitioners to avoid long waiting lists or to undergo cosmetic procedures, there is a risk they too could suffer sub-standard care with lifelong consequences.
Attwaters helps private and NHS patients and their families claim for compensation. We specialise in medical negligence cases and inquests involving psychiatric care and suicide. For example, we helped one patient secure a six-figure settlement after they sustained a serious head injury while in psychiatric care.
If you or loved one have come to harm as a result of medical negligence, our team can support you. Get in touch today for a free consultation.
