Libby Mycroft, 19, from Glentham, Lincolnshire, died in 2024 while an inpatient at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre on Castle Ward, Lincoln County Hospital. Despite being under 30-minute observations and showing no obvious distress, Libby was found unresponsive less than half an hour after interacting with staff. Her death has raised important questions about care and emergency response on mental health wards.
Libby Mycroft Tragedy
On 23 October at 7.38pm, Libby was checked by a senior mental health support worker who reported she smiled and gave a thumbs-up when asked if she was okay. At 20:04 GMT, she was checked again, but the alarm was raised shortly after when she was found unresponsive.
Glentham Tragedy
Paramedics from East Midlands Ambulance Service were called at 20:08 and arrived at the hospital entrance by 20:10. However, the entrance was locked, causing a delay before they were let in by another staff member. Paramedics reached Libby’s room by 20:13, but despite resuscitation efforts, she was pronounced dead at 21:54.
Last Moments Tragedy
The inquest jury returned a narrative verdict, stating there was no clear conclusion regarding Libby’s intent. Coroner Paul Smith noted the kindness of witnesses and Libby’s warm personality despite her struggles. The jury acknowledged a shortcoming in emergency access but noted it was non-causative.
Delay Paramedics Tragedy
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust conducted a full investigation and found no failings or missed opportunities in Libby’s care. Trust COO Eve Baird expressed sorrow at the loss and confirmed changes to improve quicker ward access during out-of-hours emergencies. Baird said, “We remain committed to ensuring that any learning leads to meaningful and lasting improvements.”
