Inquiry into Essex mental health deaths begins after Paula Parretti’s case
Paula Parretti's case highlights failures in Essex mental health system
A cherished photo shows Paula Parretti smiling brightly, taken shortly after she dyed half of her hair bright pink. Her sister, Sam Cook, fondly remembers Paula as an amazing and fun aunt who always made her children laugh and bought them noisy toys. Paula passed away in January 2022. Sam found her in her flat.
Sam struggles with the memory of finding Paula, preferring to remember her sister’s vibrant face. Paula had been discharged from the hospital weeks before her death, despite being visibly distressed. Sam recalls hospital staff insisting they needed the bed, even though Paula was having a panic attack. Paula felt unheard, frequently saying that no one listened or helped her.
Sam will be among the first relatives to speak at a public inquiry into thousands of mental health patient deaths in Essex. The Lampard Inquiry, led by Baroness Lampard, began last week and will examine over 2,000 deaths from 2000 to 2023. Sam says Paula never felt listened to and suffered broken ribs and bruising from staff at the Linden Centre, an Essex mental health unit. The NHS Trust admitted fault and compensated the family.
Lampard Inquiry: Sister of woman who took her own life vows to 'get her voice heard' | UK News
Paula Parretti's sister, Sam Cook, cherishes a photo of her vibrant and joyful sister. Cook remembers Parretti as the "fun aunt" and is determined to raise awareness and advocate … pic.twitter.com/4jlUTyJRrW
— News In 60 Mins (@NewsIn60Mins) September 16, 2024
Paul Scott, CEO of Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, expressed condolences to Paula’s family and acknowledged the distress during her care. Sam remains determined to fight for change in the mental health system to prevent others from suffering like Paula.
Since sharing her story online, Sam has heard from many concerned about mental health services nationwide. She believes families need to voice their concerns to ensure mental health patients are seen as valued individuals with families who love them.
Anyone feeling distressed or suicidal can contact Samaritans in the UK at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. In the US, call 1 (800) 273-TALK.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Sky News: The Lampard Inquiry investigates 2,000+ mental health patient deaths in Essex, highlighting allegations of abuse and negligence, with families seeking truth and justice. (Read more)
- Sky News: The sister of a woman who took her own life vows to get her voice heard in the Lampard Inquiry, highlighting a toxic culture in Essex’s mental health services. (Read more)
- While1 News reports on Paula Parretti’s sister vowing to “get her voice heard” after Paula’s tragic death, highlighting a personal and emotional family response to mental health issues.
**None** (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was Paula Parretti?
Paula Parretti was a fun aunt and mental health patient who passed away in January 2022.
What is the Lampard Inquiry investigating?
The Lampard Inquiry is investigating the deaths of thousands of mental health patients in Essex from 2000 to 2023.
How did Sam Cook describe her sister Paula?
Sam described Paula as an amazing, fun aunt who loved laughing and joking with her children.
What happened to Paula at the Linden Centre?
Paula suffered broken ribs and bruising at the hands of staff at the Linden Centre.
What should someone do if they feel emotionally distressed or suicidal?
In the UK, call Samaritans at 116 123. In the US, call 1 (800) 273-TALK.
