A coroner’s inquest into the death of Lexi Daken has wrapped up with several recommendations to improve mental health services.
A five-member jury heard from 16 witnesses this week at the University of New Brunswick law school in Fredericton.
The following recommendations were made:
- Increase awareness and educate youth and the public about what mental health services are available.
- Available mental health services should be marketed and information should be easily accessible.
- The hospital should improve communication with patients; brochures would outline services and contact information.
- A standardized patient discharge information sheet should be given to patients with relevant medical information from their visit (such as diagnosis, medications, care plan, etc.).
- Hospital clerks should confirm contact information with patients.
- The “contract for safety,” an agreement between the patient and health-care providers, should use consistent and specific wording.
- A parent or legal guardian should be present and involved with the “contract for safety” if the patient is a youth.
- Community mental health services should specify the next follow up appointment (date or date and time).
- Signage in the waiting room should be displayed to reassure and support patients who are waiting.
- Additional resources should be made available for community mental health services.
Daken died at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital on Feb. 24, 2021.
The inquest also found Daken’s death was the result of a suicide.
