Title: Accountability for Mental Health Care Failings: The Case of Alice Figueiredo
By Alison Holt, Social Affairs Editor, BBC News
Reporting from The Old Bailey, London, USA, 2025
A significant ruling at The Old Bailey has highlighted critical failures in health and safety standards related to mental health care, following the tragic case of 22-year-old Alice Figueiredo. This young woman, who had a history of mental health struggles, took her own life while under treatment at Goodmayes Hospital in East London in July 2015.
In a landmark trial, the North East London Foundation NHS Trust (NELFT) and ward manager Benjamin Aninakwa were found guilty of not taking adequate measures to prevent Alice’s death. The jury’s verdict came after an extensive seven-month trial during which it became clear that the circumstances leading to Alice’s death were deeply concerning.
Although the NHS trust was acquitted of corporate manslaughter charges, both the trust and Aninakwa were convicted under the Health and Safety at Work Act, marking only the second instance of an NHS trust facing such serious legal scrutiny in England.
Alice had previously attempted suicide multiple times during her time at the Hepworth Ward. Despite the hospital’s awareness of the risks associated with readily available plastic bin bags, these hazardous items were not adequately removed from communal areas until after her death.
The jury spent 24 days in deliberations, setting a record in British legal history, and ultimately determined that inadequate oversight contributed to the tragic outcome. Judge Richard Marks KC expressed heartfelt condolences to Alice’s family, recognizing their immense love for her.
The trial unveiled numerous shortcomings in the quality of care. Communication and leadership issues were noted regarding Aninakwa, who had previously been placed on a performance improvement plan. The high turnover of agency staff added to the concerns regarding patient safety on the ward.
Alice’s family has been vocal about their experience, with her mother, Jane Figueiredo, describing the heartbreaking impact of losing her daughter. Jane emphasized Alice’s vibrant personality, full of wit and creativity, qualities that are missed deeply by her family.
Mental health advocates have pointed to this case as a stark reminder of the systemic issues within mental health care, urging for improved standards to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Lucy Schonegevel from the charity Rethink underscored the urgent need for a mental health system fit for modern needs, emphasizing that patients deserve a safe environment.
The Figueiredo family remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability, stating that their pursuit has never been about vengeance but rather about justice and truth. They hope that this case will serve as a wake-up call for improvements in mental health services.
The court found that both NELFT and Aninakwa failed to protect the health and safety of their patients adequately, leading to Alice’s death—a tragic event that should push for systemic changes in mental health care in the UK and beyond.