A PSYCHIATRIC patient, discharged into the community for outreach care, was found dead by health workers who were worried when she did not answer her phone.
Ann Shortland, who had a history of depression, had taken an overdose of aspirin. Eight packets were found in a waste paper bin at her home in Catterick Village.
At an inquest at Richmond Magistrates Court yesterday, Coroner Jeremy Cave recorded a verdict of suicide. The hearing was told the 51-year-old moved to the area to look after her elderly father, who died in 1999.
After that, she needed hospital treatment for depression.
An outreach team called on her after she was allowed home, the last visit recorded was November 24.
After a phone call went unanswered three days later, Ms Shortland's body was found in her bedroom.
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