David Moore has described the treatment his teenage daughter Emily received before her death as "inhumane," detailing a decline in her care following her move to adult mental health services. Emily had made significant improvements during her seven months at Ferndene, a facility run by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW).
During her time at Ferndene, Emily reportedly built positive relationships with nurses and experienced a structured daily routine, which contributed to her enjoyment. However, upon turning 18 in February 2020, she was required to transition to an adult ward. Due to her residential location, this move necessitated a return to the care of the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV).
This transition proved detrimental, according to Moore. "We didn't want that, she didn't want that, even the nurses at Ferndene didn't want that because she was doing well," he stated. "But it had to happen, it did happen, it was just downhill from there."
Experts have since suggested that the transition from child to adult mental health services should be a more gradual process, allowing for an extended grace period rather than an immediate move upon reaching the age of 18. The inquest into Emily's death is ongoing.