Overview
- Mia Lucas, 12, died by suicide on January 30, 2024, three weeks after being detained at Emerald Lodge at The Becton Centre in Sheffield.
- An internal Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust review found observations were not in line with policy, charts were not fit for purpose, and staff handovers missed key information.
- The review also noted Mia had no access to outdoor space and that this restriction lacked documented consideration or risk assessment.
- Her family says QMC tests were reported as normal and that she was diagnosed with an acute psychotic episode; their lawyers plan to question whether MRI features suggesting autoimmune encephalitis were overlooked.
- Mia’s mother says she repeatedly warned staff about items in the room and observation levels; the trust says improvements have been implemented and support offered to the family, while Nottingham University Hospitals declined to comment.