Inquest Reveals Negligence at Mental Health Hospital Following Teen's Death
Published 5 August 2025
Highlights
- A 14-year-old girl, Ruth Szymankiewicz, died after being left unsupervised at Huntercombe Hospital, which was rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission.
- The inquest revealed that a support worker with a false identity was responsible for Ruth's supervision during his first shift at the hospital.
- Ruth's parents criticized the hospital for inadequate care and isolation, noting that she was allowed only 20 minutes outside daily.
- The support worker, who had no prior hospital experience, left the UK shortly after the incident and cannot be extradited.
- The inquest is ongoing at Buckinghamshire Coroner's Court and is expected to last two weeks.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Inquest Reveals Negligence at Mental Health Hospital Following Teen's Death
The tragic death of 14-year-old Ruth Szymankiewicz at Huntercombe Hospital has sparked an inquest into the circumstances surrounding her care. Ruth, who was being treated for an eating disorder, died after being left unsupervised in a mental health facility that had been rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission in 2021.
Hospital Negligence and Inadequate Supervision
During the inquest, it was revealed that Ruth was left alone for approximately 15 minutes, during which time she self-harmed. The support worker assigned to supervise her was found to have used a false identity to secure the position. This worker, who had no prior hospital experience, was on his first shift at Huntercombe Hospital when the incident occurred. CCTV footage presented in court showed Ruth entering her room unaccompanied, contradicting the worker's claim that he left to attend to another emergency.
Family's Criticism and Isolation Concerns
Ruth's parents, Mark and Kate Szymankiewicz, have expressed deep concerns over the care their daughter received. They criticized the hospital for isolating Ruth by restricting family visits and limiting her outdoor time to just 20 minutes a day. "The system really did fail her," said Kate Szymankiewicz, highlighting the lack of emotional support available to Ruth during her stay.
Identity Fraud and Legal Challenges
The support worker, who used the name Ebo Acheampong, had stolen the identity from an innocent individual and was employed through a healthcare recruitment agency. Despite police efforts, the worker fled to Ghana shortly after the incident, and due to insufficient evidence, he cannot be extradited. Thames Valley Police Sergeant Francesca Keen confirmed that the agency believed they were dealing with a legitimate person, having conducted what they thought were appropriate checks.
Ongoing Inquest and Hospital Closure
The inquest, held at Buckinghamshire Coroner's Court, is expected to continue for two weeks. Huntercombe Hospital, operated by Active Care Group, has since closed. Ruth's parents remain critical of the decision to detain her more than 70 miles from their home in Wiltshire, emphasizing the lack of suitable care facilities closer to home.
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Scenario Analysis
The ongoing inquest may lead to significant legal and regulatory implications for mental health facilities across the UK. Should the court find Huntercombe Hospital culpable, it could prompt stricter regulations and oversight for patient supervision and staff vetting processes. Additionally, the case highlights the urgent need for more localized mental health services to prevent the isolation of vulnerable patients from their support networks. Experts suggest that this tragic incident could serve as a catalyst for systemic reforms aimed at improving patient safety and care standards in mental health institutions.
The tragic death of 14-year-old Ruth Szymankiewicz at Huntercombe Hospital has sparked an inquest into the circumstances surrounding her care. Ruth, who was being treated for an eating disorder, died after being left unsupervised in a mental health facility that had been rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission in 2021.
Hospital Negligence and Inadequate Supervision
During the inquest, it was revealed that Ruth was left alone for approximately 15 minutes, during which time she self-harmed. The support worker assigned to supervise her was found to have used a false identity to secure the position. This worker, who had no prior hospital experience, was on his first shift at Huntercombe Hospital when the incident occurred. CCTV footage presented in court showed Ruth entering her room unaccompanied, contradicting the worker's claim that he left to attend to another emergency.
Family's Criticism and Isolation Concerns
Ruth's parents, Mark and Kate Szymankiewicz, have expressed deep concerns over the care their daughter received. They criticized the hospital for isolating Ruth by restricting family visits and limiting her outdoor time to just 20 minutes a day. "The system really did fail her," said Kate Szymankiewicz, highlighting the lack of emotional support available to Ruth during her stay.
Identity Fraud and Legal Challenges
The support worker, who used the name Ebo Acheampong, had stolen the identity from an innocent individual and was employed through a healthcare recruitment agency. Despite police efforts, the worker fled to Ghana shortly after the incident, and due to insufficient evidence, he cannot be extradited. Thames Valley Police Sergeant Francesca Keen confirmed that the agency believed they were dealing with a legitimate person, having conducted what they thought were appropriate checks.
Ongoing Inquest and Hospital Closure
The inquest, held at Buckinghamshire Coroner's Court, is expected to continue for two weeks. Huntercombe Hospital, operated by Active Care Group, has since closed. Ruth's parents remain critical of the decision to detain her more than 70 miles from their home in Wiltshire, emphasizing the lack of suitable care facilities closer to home.
What this might mean
The ongoing inquest may lead to significant legal and regulatory implications for mental health facilities across the UK. Should the court find Huntercombe Hospital culpable, it could prompt stricter regulations and oversight for patient supervision and staff vetting processes. Additionally, the case highlights the urgent need for more localized mental health services to prevent the isolation of vulnerable patients from their support networks. Experts suggest that this tragic incident could serve as a catalyst for systemic reforms aimed at improving patient safety and care standards in mental health institutions.
