The mother of a transgender boy who died after self-harming in a mental health unit is calling for a public inquiry into his care.
Charlie Millers, 17, from Stretford, Greater Manchesterdied from a brain injury five days after being found unconscious in the Junction 17 ward of Prestwich Hospital in December 2020.
An inquiry at Rochdale Coroners’ Court found that there were failures in a number of agencies that led to his death and that he did not intend to end his life.
The inquest jury concluded that the lack of individual nursing care and the decision not to place Charlie on constant observation in the ward likely contributed to his death.
His mother, Sam Millers, has repeatedly asked for more support to keep him safe.
She told Sky News: “All these failures, it upsets me that I never get the opportunity to say sorry. He was at risk of death and, as his mother, I said I didn’t think he would be. here for Christmas.”
Charlie was a talented artist who loved football and animals, but struggled with his mental health from an early age.
He was diagnosed with ADHD and was severely bullied after publicly identifying as a boy at the age of 12.
Charlie with his mother, Sam Millers
The court heard that Charlie was receiving support from Trafford Council children’s services as he was in a cycle of self-harm and suicide attempts. He was admitted to Junction 17 due to a deterioration in his mental health.
Charlie was the third young man to die in hospital in less than a year.
His mother said: “Three deaths in nine months due to the same observation failures is really worrying and we will press for a public inquiry.”
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The inquest’s senior coroner, Joanne Kearsley, also said she was concerned and told jurors she would write to the Department of Health and Social Care to seek recommendations to prevent future deaths.
In the months before his death, Charlie was admitted three times to the unit, run by Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH). National Health Service Trust Foundation.
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GMMH said: “A wide range of actions have already been taken to improve inpatient mental health services, both in response to Charlie’s death and as part of our wider improvement plan.”
Meanwhile, Trafford Council said: “We are actively working with our safeguarding partnership to improve our practice when young people are in crisis to improve their care.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
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