A senior coroner has called for enhanced NHS support for women going through menopause after Jacqueline Anne Potter, a 54-year-old teacher from Somerset, took her own life in December 2022. Known as Anne, she died following a fatal collision on the A303, which occurred after she had been granted overnight leave from a mental health ward in Yeovil.
The inquest revealed that Anne had been driving erratically before colliding with an HGV tanker, an incident the tanker driver could not avoid. Before her death, Anne had suffered from ongoing anxiety since 2017 and had been admitted to the Rowan Ward psychiatric hospital voluntarily. She was later detained under Section Three after further incidents in November 2022.
Senior Coroner Samantha Marsh expressed concern that Anne’s family was not given sufficient information to help keep her safe during her overnight leave. The coroner emphasized the absence of a codified risk and safety planning document for patients granted leave, highlighting the need for clear guidance for families involved in mental health care.
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Significantly, Ms. Marsh spotlighted the overlooked impact of menopause on women’s mental health, stating that menopause is a natural and unavoidable biological phase, not a lifestyle choice. She criticized the NHS for its inadequate focus on menopausal care compared to the private sector, noting that many women lack access to necessary services during this critical transitional period.
The report highlighted that the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has only one menopause specialist and no dedicated expert, reflecting a broader failure to recognize menopause as a significant medical condition with distinct symptoms and presentations demanding equal attention as other ailments.
Anne’s family described her as a kind, fiercely loyal woman with a passion for languages and over a decade of teaching experience at Bishop Fox’s School in Taunton. They expressed profound grief over her passing and remembered her warmth and humor.
In response, Dr. Andreas Papadopoulos, associate medical director for mental health at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, expressed condolences to Anne’s family and outlined steps the trust is taking. These include developing a clear, comprehensive safety plan document for patients on leave, improving staff training on menopause implications, and reviewing trauma-informed care practices.
The coroner concluded the inquest with a suicide verdict and stressed the importance of addressing menopause care within mental health services. Anne’s tragic death has raised awareness of the critical gaps in NHS support for menopausal women and the urgent need for systemic improvements.