AN NHS trust has apologised to the family of a Worcestershire woman who killed herself after "gross failings".

A coroner, overseeing the inquest of Charlotte Comer, said failings by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust contributed to the death of the 30-year-old, from Earls Croome, near Malvern.

Worcestershire's senior coroner, David Reid recorded a verdict that Miss Comer died of an overdose with her family by her bedside at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on July 20, 2021 after taking the overdose the day before.

The number of care-coordinators, who oversaw Miss Comer's care; that the trust had not focused on Miss Comer's Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) - where a person spends a lot of time worrying about their appearance; and her loss of hope after being told a referral to The Priory for specialist care had been paused were found by the coroner to be key factors why Miss Comer’s took the overdose.

Redditch Advertiser: TRAGEDT: Charlotte ComerTRAGEDT: Charlotte Comer (Image: Justgiving/Belinda Tonkins)

A statement from Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust said: “We accept the coroner’s findings and apologise unreservedly to Charlotte’s family and friends for the failings identified at the inquest which may have contributed to her death.

“Following an internal review we have introduced new processes for funding arrangements and made significant changes to the structure of the care coordinator role.

READ MORE: Inquest finds NHS trust's "gross failures" contributed to woman's death

READ MORE: Charlotte Comer's family speak of her wish that nobody else is 'failed by NHS'

"As a result, care coordinator caseload sizes are now always within the national guidelines.

"We have also seen an increase in staff retention, with patients now supported by a consistent care coordinator or key worker who is familiar with their care.

Redditch Advertiser: INQUEST: Charlotte Comer's inquest was held at Worcestershire Coroner's CourtINQUEST: Charlotte Comer's inquest was held at Worcestershire Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)

“While we deeply regret the failings in Charlotte’s case, it is important that anyone in Herefordshire and Worcestershire struggling with their mental health continues to access the support available locally.

"This includes help with common symptoms such as depression and anxiety, more specialist support for complex conditions, and urgent help for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.”

Miss Comer's sister, Mo Knight Evans, said the NHS failed her adding: “We want to make sure a tragedy like this doesn’t happen again to other families with loved ones struggling with BDD."

The Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day, free, on 116123.