An inquest has been opened into her death.
A woman died while in the care of a hospital in Essex after she was sectioned under the Mental Health Act, an inquest has heard. The hearing into the death of Aldone Gudziuviene was opened at Essex Coroner’s Court on Thursday (June 9).
Ms Gudziuviene, 73, was found unresponsive in Thurrock Community Hospital in May this year days after being sectioned. Sadly, despite the best efforts of the paramedic team she was pronounced dead on May 4. Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances in relation to her death.
At the inquest opening on Thursday, coroner’s officer Lynsey Chaffe told the court: “[She was] detained under section 2 of the Mental Health Act. She was transferred to Thurrock Community Hospital where she remained.
“On May 4, 2022, she was found unresponsive in her bedroom by a member of staff. Her death was sadly confirmed at 21.46. There were no suspicious circumstances.” Ms Chaffe said a post-mortem examination was later carried out and a provisional cause of death was identified as asphyxiation.
Senior Coroner Lincoln Brookes told the court: “I formally open the inquest into the death of Aldone Gudziuviene, and I adjourn for the inquest to be heard. It’s quite likely to be held with a jury for it’s right that she died while under a section. I advise this to be transferred to our complex cases team.”
The coroner added that the inquest would look to be listed for some time in 2023.
