From Dailymail · · 1m 50s
Bethany Hewitt: 'Better off dead' after 3-year ADHD wait
Bethany Hewitt, 34, said she was 'better off dead' after waiting three years for ADHD assessment, inquest reveals.
In brief
Bethany Hewitt, 34, said she was 'better off dead' after waiting three years for ADHD assessment, inquest reveals. Bethany Hewitt, a 34-year-old mother of two, died by hanging after three years of waiting for an ADHD assessment, despite reporting suicidal thoughts to her GP. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Bethany Hewitt's death
Bethany Hewitt, 34, was found hanged in Runcorn, Cheshire on February 22.
“Bethany Hewitt, 34, was found hanged in Runcorn, Cheshire, on February 22”
Suicidal ideation reported
She disclosed suicidal ideation and thoughts of hurting herself during a GP appointment on February 3.
“She disclosed suicidal ideation and thoughts of hurting herself during a GP appointment on February 3”
PHQ9 questionnaire
She scored 15/27 on a PHQ9 questionnaire indicating depression severity.
“She scored a 15/27 on a PHQ9 questionnaire, which is used as a screening tool by healthcare professionals to measure the presence and severity of depression”
Inadequate referral
Her GP did not make follow-up appointments despite her reported depression.
“She denied any active plans for suicide and the GP did not make plans for a follow-up appointment”
ADHD referral process
She was first referred for ADHD assessment on February 16, 2023, but not assessed until 2026.
“Ms Hewitt was first referred to ADHD Service Halton, part of Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, by the Primary Care Mental Health Team, on February 16, 2023”
GP consultation
At her February 3 consultation, she reported waiting for ADHD assessment worsened her symptoms.
“At the GP consultation on the February 3 2026, Ms Hewitt reported that the reasons for her responses in the questionnaires were the wait for an ADHD assessment and a worsening in perceived ADHD symptoms”
Medication side effects
She started sertraline, which increased her risk of suicidal thoughts.
“Ms Hewitt also began a 25mg dose of the anti-depressant sertraline. She was warned side effects included an increased risk of suicidal ideation”
No follow-up
No follow-up appointment was made after starting sertraline.
“A follow-up appointment was not made despite starting this medication”
ADHD assessment rejected
ADHD Service Halton rejected her expedited assessment due to insufficient evidence.
“On November 19, a reply from ADHD Service Halton said Ms Hewitt's expedited assessment had been rejected due to insufficient evidence”
No referral to specialists
She was not referred to secondary mental health services or Mental Health Act assessment.
“It was determined that it was not clinically indicated to refer Ms Hewitt to secondary mental health services or for an urgent Mental Health Act assessment”
Coroner's report
Coroner Sarah Murphy concluded the long wait for ADHD assessment worsened her mental health.
“Sarah Murphy, Assistant Coroner for Cheshire, has now written a Prevention of Future Deaths report to avoid deaths in similar circumstances”
National guidelines missing
There are no national guidelines for ADHD referral processes or expedited assessments.
“I am concerned that this may result in an inconsistent approach, and that waiting times may vary across the country, with patients not knowing how long they should be expected to wait for a diagnostic assessment”
Service statistics
ADHD Service Halton receives 60 expedited requests per month and has 100 referrals per month.
“The inquest heard ADHD Service Halton receives around 60 expedited requests per month and has about 100 referrals per month”
Waiting list
Up to 1,250 patients are awaiting ADHD assessment.
“Up to 1,250 patients are awaiting assessment for ADHD”
Public tributes
Dozens of loved ones shared tributes to Bethany Hewitt on a Much Loved page.
“Dozens of loved ones shared tributes to Ms Hewitt on a Much Loved page”
Suicide helpline
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123.
“For confidential support, call Samaritans for free on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support”
What matters most
Bethany Hewitt, a 34-year-old mother of two, died by hanging after three years of waiting for an ADHD assessment, despite reporting suicidal thoughts to her GP.
