On Thursday 28 May BBC Points West ran a story about the tragic death of Alison Draper who took her own life. In this report BBC Points West wrongly stated that Ms Draper was being cared for at Weston General Hospital. This is incorrect. Alison was never a mental health patient at the hospital or the Trust. Weston General Hospital does not have any wards dedicated to the care of patients undergoing mental health treatment.
Alison was being cared for by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership who are a separate NHS Trust. They run an independent mental health unit that is simply located in the grounds of Weston General Hospital. BBC Points West clarified that they had confused the two Trusts later on the in news programme, but we feel it’s important that our patients and visitors are aware of the mistake.
We would also like to take the opportunity to offer our condolences to Alison’s family at what must be an extremely difficult time.