THE FAMILY of a woman who died days after being discharged from a mental health facility have criticised the care she received.

Chantel Adel Nellist, a former student nurse, died on August 16, 2011, after taking a cocktail of pain killers, sleeping tablets and medication used to control her bi-polar disorder. 

An inquest held at Teesside Coroner’s Court today (Friday December 7) heard the 25-year-old was admitted to Middlesbrough’s Sunningdale Road care home on the weekend of August 12, 2011, after her family raised concerns over her markedly low mood.

She was discharged on August 14 following incidents of disruptive behaviour in the home which ended in her being arrested for criminal damage and receiving a police caution.

Her family say her behaviour in the days leading up to her death was completely out of character.

Speaking after the inquest, her aunt, Heather Swalwell said: "We feel let down by the mental health service. She was not a violent or aggressive person.

"She would have been mortified about being locked up and I think that contributed to her death. I was not happy about them discharging her, I thought it was far too soon.”

A spokesperson for Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a tragic case and our thoughts and sympathy are with Miss Nellist’s family at this difficult time.

“We have previously been in contact with the family, but we would encourage them to get back in touch if they have any further concerns, so that we can discuss these in more detail.”

Coroner Michael Sheffield recorded an open verdict on the death of Miss Nellist, of Dalby Court, Coulby Newham.