My husband tragically passed away after being released just 10 days into his 28-day psychiatric section. The system that is designed to protect and rehabilitate individuals struggling with mental health issues failed us. It prematurely released him into the world, where he couldn't cope, and he paid the ultimate price.

Laurent had suffered from bipolar since the age of 17. He’d just had his 42nd birthday when he died. He had been suffering from a manic episode for a few weeks before he was sectioned but he’d never before taken so much control of his illness and I was so proud of him for seeking help. We’d just bought our first house last year and he was trying so hard to stay well for me and our cat.

The decision was made to section him on the 13th June. This was following 2 weeks of working with the crisis team where not enough improvement in his mood had been seen. Laurent was looking forward to starting a new job at the beginning of July. He was always embarrassed to talk about his condition and did not want anyone to know he’d been in hospital. I feel very strongly that not enough people talk about this illness due to embarrassment. He shouldn’t have been embarrassed as I was so proud of what he’d achieved. 

On the 17th June I attended a formulation planning meeting with doctors and nurses present. They were aiming to release Laurent on the 29th June in time to start his new job. This was on the proviso that an improvement in his mood was seen. In this meeting I said he wasn’t ready for any unaccompanied leave from the hospital. 

on the 23rd June Laurent was injected with a second dose of anti psychotic medication. He was made a voluntary patient immediately after receiving this injection. 

During his 10 days (instead of the original 28) in hospital I spoke to Laurent every day. He speech was very slurred, he still wasn’t able to sleep properly, he was still very manic in his mood on the day of his release. I believe the decision was taken to release him as he’d been administered the drugs so the job was done. He should have been cared for in the following days. He should have been monitored to ensure the treatment was taking effect. He should have been checked that he wasn’t having any side effects. 

the hospital neglected to contact any of Laurent’s family in this decision. They were also aware that he would be returning to a home that no one was there to help him if needed. He died a day after he was released. 

4 years prior to this incident Laurent was let down time and time again by the same hospital. He was continually given unaccompanied leave where he would end up getting into trouble as his mind was working too fast. It took him 6 months to get better after finally being transferred to a hospital who took his care seriously. I did not want Laurent to return to this hospital due to negligence previously. I was told his release would be far better managed this time.

In the United Kingdom, individuals placed under the Mental Health Act for treatment can sometimes be released before completing the full duration of their section. This premature discharge, intended to support their 'right to freedom,' in practice often puts vulnerable lives at risk. The goal of a section is not only to offer immediate control of a crisis but to also ensure comprehensive healing and stabilization.

According to Mind, in 2019/20, over 50,000 people were detained under the Mental Health Act, with many being released early. This practice can lead to inadequate treatment and devastating consequences. Statistics show that early release increases the risk of relapse and self-harm by up to 40%, as reported by a study in the Journal of Psychiatry.

We call for a change in the policy to ensure that individuals are not discharged prior to completing their designated section period unless it is conclusively proven that they are ready. This includes rigorous assessment by a panel of mental health professionals and consideration of family input, forming a holistic decision-making process.

Implementing these changes can save countless lives by ensuring people with mental health issues receive the full extent of care they need and deserve. Please join us in making this crucial change to protect vulnerable individuals like my husband, so no family has to endure such a tragic loss again.

Sign this petition to hold the mental health system accountable for carrying out the full intended duration of psychiatric sections and truly committing to the wellbeing and safety of patients and their families.