THE family of a woman who took her own life want an apology from the hospital.

Ashleigh Cafferata died in February 2023 aged 33 after being struck by a train at Northwich Station.

An inquest heard at Cheshire Coroner’s Court on April 16 ruled her death as suicide.

However, her family feel this verdict does not paint the full picture and believe Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust should take more accountability.

Paying tribute, Ashleigh’s sister Claire King, said: “Ashleigh was a very big part of our family and life won’t be the same without her.

“She was a kind, caring person with a kind heart. She was always there for her friends and family and just wanted everyone to be happy.

“She would wear crazy hats and headdresses and loved it when it made people smile.

“She just wanted the simple things in life, to be happy, get a job a little flat and a pet.”

The Leader: An inquest into Ashleigh's death was heard at Cheshire Coroner's Court on April 16An inquest into Ashleigh's death was heard at Cheshire Coroner's Court on April 16 (Image: Newsquest)

Wrexham-born Ashleigh had been living at Dane House, a 24-hour supported accommodation in Northwich, since 2018.

The day before her death, Ashleigh was removed from the railway lines by Cheshire Police.

Officers took her to the Countess of Chester Hospital and she was later discharged.

Back at Dane House, she seemingly attempted to take her own life before staff called for an ambulance, which took her to Leighton Hospital.

Despite staff from Dane House informing the assessing clinician that Ashleigh had spoken of ending her life and making clear they felt they were unable to keep her safe, it was considered that Ashleigh did not meet the criteria for detention under the Mental Health Act and she was discharged.

In the afternoon of February 19, 2023, Ashleigh sat down on the tracks near Northwich Station as a Northern train travelling to Chester passed through.

The record of the inquest states she was struck by the train, suffering 'un-survivable injuries'.

“At the time of her death Ashleigh was experiencing a mental health crisis and the risk of her taking her own life had not been recognised,” the record adds.

Claire feels her sister’s death 'could have been prevented'.

She added: “We believe the hospitals could have done more.

“They should have listened to those who knew Ashleigh best – her mum and the staff at Dane House – who were very concerned about her escalating behaviour.

“We would love an apology from the trust, this is all we want.

“We know it will not bring her back, but we would just want them to admit they should have done more, and that they are sorry.”

Responding, a Mid Cheshire Hospitals spokesperson said: "We would like to offer our sincere condolences to Ashleigh’s family for their tragic loss.

"While we cannot comment on the specific details of individual cases, we work with registered NHS mental health professionals to carry out assessments under the Mental Health Act.

"These reviews take into account all relevant information and are used to determine the appropriate steps that should be taken."

Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place to talk for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Call 116 123 (this number is free to call and will not appear on your phone bill), 01204 521200 or email jo@samaritans.org