Postpartum psychosis death highlights gaps in care

An inquest into Roisin Harron death after postpartum psychosis questions the care and follow up she received after discharge from NHS mental health services

Postpartum psychosis death exposes gaps in care after discharge

Roisin Harron battled postpartum psychosis after the birth of her son in 2017. She endured a long course of treatment, including twelve electroconvulsive therapy sessions at Bethlem Royal Hospital, and later returned to care under her GP. In 2023 she was discharged from specialist services, but her family say she lost access to familiar experts and faced constant changes to medication that left her anxious and unsure what help to seek.

On June 17, 2024, she was found dead in a Travelodge in London after an overdose of prescription drugs. The inquest returned a verdict of suicide and highlighted the ongoing impact of postpartum psychosis and the difficulties in balancing hospital based care with community follow up. The case underscores the fragility of support networks for women who move from specialist services to general practice.

This case exposes a fault line in mental health care: the moment of discharge. When patients are considered stable, the system may drop essential contact and risk monitoring. The article shows how memory changes from treatment complicate daily life and how families bear the burden of navigating medication and access. It suggests the need for stronger aftercare pathways, clearer communication, and better funding for continuity of care.

Highlights

Care is a test of trust between patients, families, and a system that must not turn its back when help is most needed