A TEENAGER who died while in the care of a mental health hospital has been named.

A relative of 17-year-old Nadia Sharif, who was a patient at West Lane Hospital in Middlesbrough, told The Northern Echo she had been in and out of hospital since she was 14.

On Friday, Nadia died at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, days after being found in a coma at West Lane Hospital.

Police have confirmed they are conducting enquiries into the circumstances surrounding her death.

West Lane Hospital, which is the responsibility of the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust, is currently under investigation following the death of a 17-year-old inpatient in June.

The Care Quality Commission has also since suspended the safety rating for the entire health trust, while the hospital is not currently taking on any new mental health patients.

Last night, Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald called on Trust bosses to answer what were "very serious" questions following Nadia's death.

Responding, Colin Martin, Chief Executive at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Tragically a 17 year old who was a patient at West Lane Hospital died on Friday.

"Our thoughts are with the young person’s family and friends at this distressing time. We always carry out a full review when someone under our care dies so there will be a full investigation, which will be carried out along with other agency partners.

"We take the recent concerns relating to West Lane Hospital extremely seriously and we are committed to making the improvements required to ensure that we provide safe, high quality care."

Mr Martin added that the trust is continuing to work closely with NHS England, the CQC and other partners to "provide assurances" that "necessary improvements" were being made.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "Police were made aware of the tragic death of a female, aged 17, on Friday, August 9.

"The female was an inpatient of West Lane Hospital but passed away in James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.

"Officers are conducting enquiries into the circumstances surrounding her death."