Healthcare worker admits neglect over patient death

Sylvia Quaye-Mensah pleaded guilty to neglect by a care worker at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday

A healthcare assistant has admitted neglect by a care worker on the day a patient died at a mental health facility in Nottingham.

Sylvia Quaye-Mensah, of Monsall Avenue in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, was working at Highbury Hospital on 12 September 2022, when 19-year-old Louise Furlong died.

The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to ill-treatment or neglect by a care worker at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday.

Judge James Sampson told the defendant her offence was "so serious", she should prepare herself for time in prison when she is sentenced at the same court on 2 March 2026.

During the hearing, prosecutors dropped one count of misconduct in a public office and two counts of ill treatment or neglect by a care worker after hearing the guilty plea.

The court had earlier heard Quaye-Mensah was on her second day of work at Highbury Hospital when she was overseeing Ms Furlong, who was suffering from headaches.