The family of 20-year-old Sasha Forster, a vulnerable woman who was turned away from A&E while in crisis on the day of her death, have achieved a substantive settlement in their claim against the NHS Trust whose psychiatric liaison staff refused to see her. Sasha, whose diagnoses included OCD and PTSD, was detained under the Mental Health Act but on leave from hospital when she died.
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has admitted breaching Sasha’s right to life and provided an apology to her family, who are working to establish a permanent crisis house in Sasha’s name: ‘Sasha’s Project’.
Sasha’s family said: Sasha’s struggles were exacerbated by the lack of help available to her when her mental health was poor. When she was feeling suicidal, she needed compassion, support and a safe place to go to, especially during the night. This wasn’t easily accessible.
To find out more and/or to donate to ‘Sasha’s Project’ please visit the fundraising or facebook page.
Catherine Shannon of Bhatt Murphy and Heather Williams QC and Sophy Miles of Doughty Street Chambers acted for the family.
