NHS staff watched the death of 22-year-old Shannara Donnelly on CCTV because they thought she was asleep

Miss Donnelly, known as Jade to her family, had previously reported being sexually abused, struggled with alcohol abuse and sometimes heard “voices” in her head, the inquest heard.

Her mother, Carrie Donnelly, said her daughter was struggling during the time COVID city closures and recently lost three close family members before her death.

She was an active member of both the Army and Police Cadets and was a member of the Royal British Legion.

“Deeply rooted in our hearts”

Paying tribute, her mother said: “Jade always enjoyed doing different things and whatever she did she usually put her heart and soul into it. A very beautiful leaf has fallen from our family tree, but the memories of Jade will remain in our hearts forever.”

A note in her medical records said Ms Donnelly should not have been sent to Chase Farm Hospital due to a previous incident, but she was readmitted anyway.

Days before she was re-hospitalized, she was arrested after she told police she “wanted to die” and threatened to harm herself.

Her condition meant she needed individual care and continuous monitoring “24/7, seven days a week”, jurors heard.

The risk assessment was inadequate

Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust acknowledged “shortcomings” in the treatment of Ms Donnelly and admitted that her risk assessment was inadequate and that the young woman “should not have been referred” to hospital.

The trust also admitted that she “should have been under observation”.

CCTV footage shown in court showed members of staff watching Ms Donnelly on cameras and through a peephole, but the trust said the use of CCTV was an inadequate form of surveillance and that staff failed to carry out security checks.

The trust rules state that staff can use CCTV cameras to observe patients, but they must not be used as a substitute for other forms of observation and interaction.

Mark Pritchard, director of the trust, apologized to Jade’s family as he admitted “shortcomings” in her care.

“Verbal contact”

Ms Donnelly’s family lawyer, Ross Beaton, later questioned Mr Pritchard about whether Jade’s level of care was effective.

Mr Beaton said: “Level three means being within sight unless (the patient) is in the bathroom, in which case you will be in verbal contact (with them). Have you seen any third-level observations (on CCTV footage)?”

Mr Pritchard replied: “For the most part I would say no … The general answer is no.”

The investigation is ongoing.