Lousia Ovington independent investigation report ... - NHS North East

This opinion was referred to by many professionals dealing with Louisa Ovington over
the next few years. It may have influenced their own judgements about what was at
the root of her problems or what her needs were. Consultant 1 told the panel that
she did not think that Louisa Ovington was suffering from a conduct disorder and she
noted that ‘it is not permitted to make a diagnosis of personality disorder before the
age of 18’ and that ‘it was my responsibility to make a full and accurate assessment of
Louisa Ovington and it would be the responsibility of any subsequent doctor to do the
same’.
Subsequently, Louisa Ovington’s behaviour became more disturbed, including drug
misuse, criminally assaultative behaviour and the possession of knives.
23 December 1995 to 20 May 1998
CHAPTER 1 - NARRATIVE OF KEY DATES AND EVENTS
11. On 23 December 1995 Louisa Ovington was admitted to a psychiatric ward at
Hartlepool General Hospital under the care of Consultant 4 for a total of 81 days 4 .
She was admitted informally but subsequently detained under Section 3 of the Mental
Health Act. 5 She was suffering from psychotic symptoms and her behaviour was
unpredictable, disruptive and abusive. Prior to her admission her use of street drugs
had been extensive. A transfer to a child and adolescent unit at St Luke’s Hospital in
Middlesbrough was considered. The psychiatrist who assessed her concluded that she
was suffering from a drug induced psychotic episode. He did not think that it would
be appropriate for Louisa Ovington to be transferred to St Luke’s Hospital because her
main problem by the time that he assessed her was behavioural disturbance rather than
mental illness. He noted her marked lack of remorse and expressed concern for Louisa
Ovington, stating that she might well have problems into the foreseeable future. He
recommended that EEG and CT head scan examinations be carried out but the panel
was unable to locate any results.
12. During this admission Louisa Ovington was physically aggressive to staff and other
patients and consequently had to be transferred to the Duggan Keen Secure Unit at
Winterton Hospital for nine days. Whilst there she was under the care of Consultant 5
(later to treat her in the Tony White Unit at the County Hospital Durham in 1998 and
to be her named supervisor in a probation order dated June 2001). Louisa Ovington
was verbally abusive and threatening, required control and restraint and treatment
with substantial doses of medication, including intramuscular sedative medication. 6
Her behaviour improved after a couple of days, after which she returned to Hartlepool
General Hospital. She recovered and was discharged to live with her great aunt and
uncle after having had a trial period of leave.
13. A care planning meeting was held prior to her discharge, at which CPN 1
(Community Psychiatric Nurse) was allocated to work with her. She was diagnosed
as having been suffering from a drug induced psychosis and from a conduct disorder.
She was discharged on antipsychotic and other psychotropic medication. 7 An outpatient
appointment was arranged to review her two weeks post discharge.
4 First admission to hospital
5 For an explanation of the purpose and effect of the various sections of the Mental Health Act see Chapter 8
6 Lorazepam
7 Medications to treat mental disorders
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