A mentally ill woman was discovered in a “mummified, nearly skeletal state” after more than three years of laying dead in her apartment, according to her family.
Laura Winham, 38, was allegedly “abandoned and left to die” by the NHS and social services until her brother discovered her body in May 2021.
It is believed that she passed away in November 2017 after being sent to social services twice in the preceding years.
The Surrey council described the situation as “really terrible.”
Additionally, the NHS has been contacted for comment.
Ms. Winham, who suffered from schizophrenia, resided in Woking, Surrey, and was separated from her family.
According to her family, in 2014 she was referred to Woking Community Mental Health Recovery and her general practitioner. Because she appeared to have “untreated mental health difficulties.” They claimed that no follow-up was conducted.
After visiting Ms. Winham in October 2017, which was likely the last time anyone saw her alive, Surrey Police officers reported to Surrey County Council that she was “self-neglecting, had little food, and appeared oblivious to how to seek local resources for assistance.”
Shortly after this visit, Ms. Winham’s calendar ceased being marked. One of the final entries read, “I need assistance.”
Nicky, her sister, stated that the family was unable to establish communication with her. Because she believed they would hurt her due to years of schizophrenia.
“Warning indications” about her mental health were ignored, she said.
She continued, “Everyone who had contact with Laura and owed her a responsibility simply wiped their hands clean and forgot about her.”
She was allowed to die after being abandoned.
It is heartbreaking to consider how she spent her final years, unable to beg for assistance and without anyone to support her.
Iftikhar Manzoor of Hudgell Solicitors, who is representing the family, stated, “Laura was referred to adult social care teams twice, first in 2014 and then in October 2017 by the police.”
“No assessments of her requirements were conducted. These were unquestionably apparent lost opportunities to intervene and conduct a welfare check.”
“Extremely terrible case”
After receiving a concern for safety report at an address in Woking on 24 May 2021. Surrey Police responded to the location and discovered the death of a woman in her 30s.
After conducting an investigation, officers were convinced that there was no third-party involvement in the killing. The coroner was also provided with a file.
A force official added, “Officers visited the address before in October 2017.” “A report was created and shared with adult social care at the time, but no violations were detected.”
A representative for Surrey County Council stated that the incident was “really awful” and complex, and that “every facet” of the incident should be addressed.
They stated, “We are committed to participating completely in the investigation process.”
They confirmed that they will supply the coroner with any necessary information.
