The parents of a student nurse who took her own life are calling for a change in the law to ensure mental health patientsare supported with decisions about their care. Bronwen Morgan, 26, who was diagnosed with a personality disorder, died after being found unresponsive at a Cardiff hotel in 2020. Bronwen's parents Jayne and Haydn said shared decision making - when healthcare professionals involve a patient's trusted relative or friend in decisions about their treatment and care - should become the law. The Welsh government said care tailored to people's needs was a key aim in its new mental health and suicide strategies. Bronwen, a Cardiff University nursing student, was diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder, or an emotionally unstable personality disorder, in 2019. An inquest into Bronwen's death heard that on 27 August 2020 she told her father she would be going to a friend's house, but she never arrived. Her phone was traced to a Premier Inn in Pentwyn, Cardiff, where she was found unresponsive. The inquest heard in the days leading up to her death, Bronwen hadcomplained to Cardiff and Vale health boardabout her package of care. But the coroner found her death and the care she was receivingcould not be linked. Bronwen's parents said their daughter attempted to take her life around 40 times in two years, adding that it "became the norm" for the family. "When she did take her life, it wasn't a surprise to us because we could see it coming," said Mrs Morgan. "And we were trying to tell her care team, but they'd say they couldn't share anything because of patient confidentiality." Mr Morgan said his daughter would attend reviews of her care where she would be asked how she was, and would incorrectly tell healthcare professionals she was "fine". "Which wasn't the case," said Mr Morgan. "But if somebody else was there they would be able to be truthful and honest and say that's not true, you were found on a bridge, or you made an attempt on your life this week." The couple said that is why they would like to see shared decision-making become the law. "By having another person there, it will help emphasise what the issues are, which the patient might find too difficult to share," said Mr Morgan. "It's also another set of ears in the meeting, because the patient might be strongly medicated or find it too difficult to open up in front of a panel." Mrs Morgan said the idea seemed "a bit of a no brainer to me". "I can understand why some people would not want a family member there, but instead take a trusted friend or mental health advocate," she added. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) website states shared decision-making has a range of benefits, including allowing people to discuss and share information, making sure people have a good understanding of the benefits, harms and possible outcomes of different options and empowering them to make decisions about the treatment and care that is right for them at that time. "If they're not following NICE guidelines, then let's force them to follow them and make it law," Mr Morgan. Bronwen's parents said she was also "encouraged" and "guided" by a suicide website. The coroner asked the UK and Welsh governments to make it harder to access such websites, and the site has since been blocked. A Welsh government spokesperson said their thoughts were with Bronwen's family and loved ones. "Tailoring care to people's needs is a key aim in our new mental health and wellbeing strategy and suicide prevention and self-harm strategy," they said. "The NHS Executive is already leading work with health boards to transform services and improve the quality and safety of mental healthcare." A spokesperson on behalf of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said its focus was on providing "safe, quality and compassionate mental health support" to people across Cardiff and Vale in community and inpatient settings. "Mental health services at Cardiff and Vale UHB have recently committed to a co-produced family engagement project. The aim of the project which started in April 2025, is to enhance engagement with families and carers in order to improve patient safety and patient outcomes," they said. If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, support is available via theBBC Action Line.
'Law change could save lives after our daughter's death'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Parents Advocate for Legal Change in Mental Health Care After Daughter's Death"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
The tragic case of Bronwen Morgan, a 26-year-old student nurse who took her own life in 2020, has prompted her parents to advocate for a change in mental health care laws. Bronwen, who was diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder in 2019, was found unresponsive in a Cardiff hotel after expressing plans to visit a friend. An inquest revealed that despite her repeated attempts at self-harm and complaints about her care, the coroner could not link her death to the treatment she received from Cardiff and Vale health board. Bronwen's parents, Jayne and Haydn Morgan, expressed their deep concern about the lack of shared decision-making in mental health care, where healthcare professionals do not involve a patient's trusted relatives or friends in discussions about their treatment. They believe that this involvement could provide critical support and ensure that healthcare providers receive a more accurate picture of the patient’s mental state, especially when patients are unable or unwilling to communicate their struggles effectively due to their conditions or medication side effects.
The Morgans have highlighted the importance of shared decision-making as a potential law that could transform mental health care. They argue that having a family member or trusted advocate present during treatment discussions could help convey vital information that a patient may find difficult to share. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) supports this approach, noting that it empowers patients and enhances their understanding of treatment options. The Welsh government has acknowledged the need for tailored mental health care strategies, emphasizing improvements in service delivery. In response to Bronwen's case, the coroner has also called for measures to restrict access to harmful suicide websites. While the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has initiated a family engagement project aimed at improving patient safety and outcomes, the Morgans continue to campaign for legislative changes that would enforce shared decision-making in mental health treatment, hoping that such measures could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a poignant narrative surrounding the tragic death of Bronwen Morgan, a student nurse, and her parents' call for legal reform regarding mental health care. This story not only sheds light on individual suffering but also raises broader questions about systemic issues in mental health treatment and the importance of shared decision-making in patient care.
Purpose of the Publication
The article aims to advocate for legislative changes that prioritize the involvement of trusted relatives in mental health care decisions. By highlighting the personal tragedy of Bronwen Morgan, the piece seeks to galvanize public support for reform and raise awareness about the inadequacies in the current mental health system.
Community Perception
The narrative is likely intended to evoke empathy and urgency within the community regarding mental health issues. By telling the personal story of Bronwen and her struggles, the article aims to foster a sense of collective responsibility and encourage dialogue about mental health care practices.
Potential Concealments
While the article focuses on Bronwen’s story and her parents' advocacy, it may also gloss over broader systemic failures in mental health care that contribute to such tragedies. There is a possibility that the complexities of mental health treatment and the limitations of healthcare systems are not fully explored.
Truthfulness of the Content
The article appears to be grounded in factual events, recounting the circumstances surrounding Bronwen's death and her family's experiences. However, the interpretation of these events and the emphasis on certain aspects may shape the narrative to serve specific advocacy goals.
Public Sentiment
This article is likely to resonate more with communities that prioritize mental health awareness, patient rights, and family involvement in healthcare decisions. It addresses those who are emotionally invested in the topic, including mental health advocates, families affected by similar issues, and healthcare professionals seeking reform.
Economic and Political Implications
Should the parents' advocacy lead to significant legislative changes, it could result in increased funding for mental health programs and training for healthcare professionals. This shift may enhance public health outcomes but could also stir political debates about healthcare policy priorities.
Stock Market Impact
While the article may not directly influence stock prices, it could have implications for companies involved in mental health services or pharmaceuticals if legislative changes lead to increased demand for their services. This could create opportunities in sectors focused on mental health support and resources.
Global Context
The issues raised in the article are relevant in the context of a growing global focus on mental health, especially post-pandemic. As mental health continues to gain prominence in public discourse, this story contributes to an ongoing narrative about the necessity of reform in mental health care.
Use of AI in Writing
There is no clear indication that AI was used in the writing of this article. However, if AI were involved, it might have influenced the tone or structure to enhance readability and emotional engagement. Given the sensitivity of the subject matter, any AI model would likely be programmed to convey the gravity of the situation effectively.
Manipulative Aspects
While the article does not overtly manipulate facts, its emotional appeal and focused narrative could be interpreted as a form of advocacy that emphasizes specific viewpoints. The language used is designed to evoke empathy, which could be seen as a means to encourage public support for the proposed changes.
In summary, this article effectively highlights a tragic personal story to advocate for broader systemic changes in mental health care. It emphasizes the urgent need for reform while fostering community engagement and awareness about mental health issues.