Woman found dead in Ampfield just days after leaving hospital care

Alison Milchem had been receiving treatment for depression at the mental health facility following a hospital admission for an overdose.

She was discharged from Antelope House on January 29, but after failures in communication at the mental health trust her situation deteriorated.

Winchester Coroner's Court heard how the 62-year-old, whose mental was tied to her chronic back pain, was getting ready to go out with her husband on the morning of February 2. While he was upstairs, she left their home in Forest Road, Chandler's Ford, with her medication.

Following a search operation involving the police helicopter and search dogs, Mrs Milchem's body was discovered between 10pm and 11pm that evening in woodlands in Ampfield, near Romsey, along with a bag containing a note.

Pathologist Dr Adnan Al-Badri told the inquest that although Mrs Milchem had cuts on her arms, these were not life-threatening. Instead, a toxicology report revealed she had died after taking a cocktail of medication.

However, the inquest heard that failings by Southern Health were identified in Mrs Milchem's case.

A probe carried out by independent investigator Mandy Slaney revealed that a referral asked for by her doctor to the acute mental health team, which would have made contact to ensure her wellbeing and risk of harm, was not made.

Ms Slaney also told the inquest that Mrs Milchem was handed two weeks of medication when she was discharged, despite previous overdoses, and said that although it was in line with policy, the family could have been more involved to reduce the risk of a further incident.

She added that recommendations made in her report are currently being implemented by Southern Health.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, assistant coroner Simon Burge said: "I struggle to understand why the risk of suicide was considered to be low or moderate."

During the inquest, Mrs Milchem's husband Nigel described her as a "bright" and "kind" woman.