Overview

• The coroner concluded that Watson’s death on September 20, 2024, was a suicide after reviewing her inpatient and community mental health care
• Evidence showed she developed PTSD from her military service in Bosnia and experienced worsening mental health and suicidal thoughts through 2023
• The inquest identified gaps in her treatment, including a seven-week absence of a named psychologist and distress over an unreviewed discharge letter
• Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust officials acknowledged Watson’s value to the organisation and said they would review support processes for staff mental health
• Church of England bishops, colleagues and her partner paid tribute to Watson’s compassionate work on the Covid-19 wards and her lasting impact on patients and staff