The heartbroken mum of straight A student who tragically took his own life has begged for the NHS to improve its mental health services.
Beck Bromley passed away at the Royal Stoke University Hospital on November 24 last year, four days after he was found unresponsive at his family home on Westwood Road, Leek. A CT scan revealed a hypoxic brain injury, with an inquest later ruling his death as suicide.
During the hearing, North Staffordshire assistant coroner Daniel Howe listened to an emotional plea from Beck's mum Frances Bromley, Stoke-on-Trent Live reports. She called on the NHS and policy makers to reconsider how they deal with those suffering from mental illness 'whose thinking is so impaired that they cannot help themselves'.
She told the inquest: "We would like to use this opportunity to make a heartfelt plea, not only on behalf of the one-in-50 people in the UK who will at some time experience the symptoms of bipolar disorder, but also on behalf of their families, friends and extended communities. I am standing here today as a mother, grieving the loss of her son. And I am in the gut-wrenching position to see things that, if done differently, might, just might have saved our son's life.
"To the medical community, I beg you to find a way to help those whose thinking is so impaired that they cannot help themselves. When families come to you pleading for help, don't turn them away because the child is over 18 and at the height of their first manic episode refuse to request care themselves.
She also urged medics to better support the families of those in mental distress, adding: "Remember, when you are communicating with family members of someone in mental distress, that they are not medical professionals, that they are often frightened, sleep deprived, exhausted and confused. Do not simply assume that they know how to best provide care for their loved-ones.
"Make it a requirement that before any drug that is known to exacerbate suicidal ideation can be prescribed, parents and care-givers must explicitly be informed of the dangers and together with a medical provider must complete a written suicide safety plan like that offered on the Papyrus website.
Ms Bromley went on to say that medications known to exacerbate suicidal ideation should come with a 'suicide safety plan' included on the packet and that policymakers need to better support those over the age of 18 who are in 'crisis'.
She said: "To drug makers, if there is potential for your drug to exacerbate or lead to suicidal ideation, like the drug prescribed to Beck, to include a suicide safety plan template with the drug packaging. To NHS policymakers, according to NHS data, bipolar disorder often develops between the age of 15 and 19. Develop a system to help young people over the age of 18 navigate a medical system when they are in crisis.
"To the public, death by suicide and suicidal ideation is caused by a life-threatening mental illness - that is why the NHS tells you to call 999 in the case of a suicide attempt or self-harm. Together, we can all help prevent suicide."
Beck had graduated with A* A-Levels from Westwood College and went on to study at University of Manchester, where he had completed his first year.
Mrs Bromley added: "We are all unique. Our communities, successes and failures build our resilience in life. With the help of my community, I now have to figure out a way to carry the pain of losing my son to suicide. I am trying my best to keep calm and accept the things I cannot change and have the courage to change the things I can.
"Beck was a mathematician, a musician, a surfer, a best friend, a brother, a son, but perhaps most important was the smile that he shared with everyone he met. I know that no-one wanted Beck to die. Please let his smile be a call to action."
Beck first became known to mental health services in August 2022, however did not receive any one-to-one support. Instead, he attended family talking sessions and acupuncture.
But clinical psychiatrist Dr Laura Stevenson said: "In my opinion, the care Beck received was completely appropriate and reasonable. From the initial referral to the team, they acted appropriately, their assessment was good."
The coroner ruled out implementing a prevention of future deaths report regarding Beck's case.
Mr Howe said: "The timescale is fairly quick deterioration, but it didn't feel that way to the family. There was an early intervention. The difference I have to ask is regarding the level of care provided and its impact. What could have been done and that is where the legal test is
"I must stress that the balance of probability does not equal balance of possibility. I am not satisfied that anything could have been done differently. I am not satisfied that the drugs prescribed did produce suicidal tendencies. There is nothing else I can see that would change that. I do find that he did intend to end his life so my conclusion is of suicide."
Family and friends last night staged a charity football match in Beck's memory at Leek Town Football Club. They have so far raised almost £14,000 towards the £20,00 target. To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
