Tributes paid to mum Evelyn Boyd from Northallerton

Evelyn Boyd, 72, from Northallerton, died on September 22, 2023, following decades of mental health struggles which started when she was in her 20s and continued throughout her life; developing into an Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD). 

During an inquest into Ms Boyd's death at Northallerton on Monday (October 14) and Tuesday (October 15), Coroner Jonathan Leach recorded her death as a suicide after hearing from mental health professionals, doctors and the family of Evelyn during two days of evidence. 

Within the hearing, it was heard that Evelyn was hospitalised in West Park in Darlington and Roseberry Park in Middlesbrough during the last two years of her life, and was cared for by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Trust.

Evelyn Boyd (Image: FAMILY) While the Trust noted during the inquest that there had been "learnings" in the way they do things following Ms Boyd's death, an investigation carried out by the Trust and witnesses admitted that there was nothing else that could have been done to save Evelyn.

Following the inquest, Evelyn's son Ashley Ajisafe, paid tribute to his mum, who had been a healthcare assistant at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton during her working days. 

Describing her as "the life and soul of the party", Mr Ajisafe recalled his mum's love of dancing and her dedication to her family.

He said: "My mum had a big heart and dedication to her family. 

"She was a keen dancer and would always describe herself as a tough cookie. 

Northallerton Coroners Court (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) "She was the most selfless person you could ever meet. She had her struggles but was the true life and soul of the party."

Alongside the tributes, Mr Ajisafe did criticise the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Trust, and believes there are some unanswered questions about his mum's care, which has seen him claim that his mum's death has been "brushed under the carpet".

But representatives from the Trust, who were present at the inquest said that an investigation carried out had found that there was no failings into Ms Boyd's care and that care plans were followed to the letter. 

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The inquest heard from Ms Boyd's care coordinator, Laura Blythe, who visited Evelyn to check in with the 72-year-old, including on the day of her death.

According to Ms Blythe, there were no signs of acting on suicidal thoughts and no increased concerns about Ms Boyd on the day of her death.

"I've wracked my brain every day about if I'd missed anything to do with Evelyn's care, but there's nothing at all, I followed everything correctly," she said during her witness evidence in the inquest.

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