26/03/2026
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A woman told she did not meet the criteria to be admitted to hospital told mental health workers where she would take her own life and fell from a bridge over a nearby motorway two hours later. 💔🛣️
Danielle Tuohy, 25, was turned away from Ashford’s William Harvey Hospital still wearing hospital clothing, and deliberately fell into the path of motorway traffic. 😞
She was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by a vehicle.
Coroner Katrina Hepburn heard Danielle had battled gastroparesis - a chronic digestive disorder that affects how the stomach empties - for years.
Her condition caused extreme nausea and significant weight loss, with Danielle’s weight at one stage dropping to 5st 5lbs (34kg), and contributed to a decline in her mental health.
The inquest was told she had gone to the William Harvey Hospital on January 22 seeking help for suicidal thoughts and hoping to be admitted. 🏥
After waiting 10 hours, she left when she was told she did not meet the criteria.
The following day, a Kent and Medway Mental Health Trust (KMMHT) home treatment team spent 80 minutes with her at her Ashford home.
Occupational therapist Danielle Rix said her suicidal thoughts were “coming and going” and that she had stated there was no intent to act “at this precise moment”.
The coroner heard Danielle discussed her plan to take her own life, involving taking a taxi to a bridge over the motorway.
“The whole reason we were there was to assess and review that ‘plan intent’, the level of suicidality,” said Ms Rix.
“But if things didn't change and there was no plan and things continued the way they were, she didn't know if she'd be able to carry on as she was.”
After the team left, Danielle’s mum had to go to work.
Within an hour, Danielle had gone to the motorway and taken her own life.
Ms Rix also told the inquest that Danielle felt that neither North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) or the East Kent Hospitals Trust (EKHT) was “taking responsibility for her current presentation, and neither had a plan in place for her regarding treatment”.
