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Questions over bridge fall woman’s care

The spot where Nicola Mansell jumped. Picture courtesy: KENT AIR AMBULANCE
The spot where Nicola Mansell jumped. Picture courtesy: KENT AIR AMBULANCE
HUGH ROBERTSON: "I am encouraged that the trust are now undertaking a clinical practice review"
HUGH ROBERTSON: "I am encouraged that the trust are now undertaking a clinical practice review"

HEALTH chiefs have confirmed a full review will be carried out into the level of care given to a troubled woman who plunged to her death from a motorway bridge.

Nicola Mansell, 35, of Northumberland Road, Shepway, Maidstone, died on April 7 after jumping from a pedestrian crossing onto the M20 near Wrotham.

Faversham and Mid-Kent MP Hugh Robertson (Con) sought reassurance in a letter to the West Kent NHS and Social Care Trust following "serious questions" about how authorities handled her case.

In his reply, the trust's director of social care James Sinclair confirmed that a clinical practice review, overseen by an independent manager, was already underway.

Its findings, he said, would be shared with the Kent and Medway Strategic Health Authority when a decision will be made to determine what level of inquiry may follow.

Mr Sinclair said: "In all cases where an individual is receiving services from the Trust and a serious untoward incident occurs the Clinical Governance Framework determines the process of investigation and inquiry.

"The review will cover all aspects of treatment and service, incorporating the multi-agency decision making meetings which took place in this case."

The news was welcomed by Mr Robertson who became involved in the case after he was contacted by neighbours worried at Miss Mansell's state-of-mind.

He said: "I am encouraged that the trust are now undertaking a clinical practice review and will be following the case with close interest."

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