The inquest into the death of Sophie Towle is due to commence on Monday 6th October 2025 at Nottingham Coroner’s Court.
The following organisations are involved in the inquest: –

  1. Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
  2. Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust
  3. Sherwood Forest Hospitals

Sophie, aged 22, was detained within the Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (“NHFT”) under section 3 of the Mental Health Act from 25 April 2024. Sophie had been known to adult mental health services since 13 March 2021. She had a diagnosis of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as well as a complex history of self-harm.

Sophie was repatriated to Fir Ward from Brodsworth Ward in Doncaster (an out of area placement). Sophie had been residing on Brodsworth Ward since 27 November 2023 and repatriation to an NHFT bed took place against Sophie’s wishes as well as her family’s.

Sophie’s experience of the transfer was poor, and both herself and her family were very keen that she be returned to Doncaster. However, when a transfer back to Doncaster was explored, this was not deemed to be possible.

During her admission to Fir Ward, Sophie engaged in multiple acts of self-harm. On 12 May 2024, Sophie sadly engaged in a serious act of self-harm resulting in hospital admission. This led to a deterioration in her physical health ultimately leading to Sophie suffering multiple seizures and a cardiac arrest from which she did not sadly recover. Sophie sadly died as a result of a large Pulmonary Thromboembolus due to underlying Deep Venous Thrombosis (“DVT”) of the leg veins.

The inquest will be heard with a jury and is listed to take place across three weeks. Evidence will be heard from a number of healthcare professionals and doctors involved in the circumstances surrounding Sophie’s death as well as a number of experts within the medical profession.

The scope of the inquest will consider: –

  • Sophie’s transfer from Doncaster to NHCT, including the clinical rationale and any discussions with Sophie, her family or her Community Psychiatric Nurse about the transfer.

  • Whether the care provided to Sophie at NHCT was adequate, including but not limited to the management of her physical and psychological health, and the assessment and management of Sophie’s risk. This will include the assessment and management of Sophie’s VTE risk, specifically why there was no re-assessment of this risk following the discharge from Kings Mill Hospital on 12 May 2024. Included also, will be the issue as to why the initial VTE Assessment which was carried out for Sophie on admission to Fir Ward was not discussed at Multidisciplinary Team Meetings, and what if any preventative measures were considered or taken in attempted management of her VTE risk. Systems issues in relation to VTE risk will also be considered, including the fact that there was no system to flag changes to prompt staff to changes to VTE risk and not on staff radar.

  • The incident of 12 May 2024, including clinical decisions and management both on 12 May up until 27 May 2024. After discharge from Kings Mills Hospital on 12 May 2024, Sophie’s VTE risk increased as a result of increased immobility and infection.

  • Complaints and monitoring of physical and mental health between 12 – 27 May 2024.

  • The immediate circumstances surrounding Sophie’s death.

Sophie is described by her family as a kind, thoughtful and caring individual who had a great sense of humour. Musical theatre was Sophie’s passion and her family loved seeing her come alive at every show they saw. Sophie touched the hearts of so many people and enjoyed creating an environment of joy and amusement for others.

Kelly Darlington, Partner at Farleys Solicitors LLP and Lucy McCann of 1 Crown Office Row are instructed to represent Sophie’s family at the inquest.