Inquest into death of Angela Hickman, 50, of Norwich

An inquest heard how Angela Hickman, of Sprowston Road, had been discharged from the accident and emergency department at the Norfolk and Norwich hospital last June. 

It came after a worsening episode of depression and self-harm following her recovery from Covid-19. 

The hearing, held at Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall, also heard how Miss Hickman had died days after an official diagnosis of autism was made – a condition she had lived with her entire life. 

In evidence read out in court, her closest friend of 35 years, Yvette Clark, said she believed Miss Hickman had always shown traits of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and “knew her better than anyone”. 

She had supported her through a three-year ASD diagnosis and joined her at a final assessment in May 2022. 

She said: “It was 10 days after her death that she was sent an email to confirm a diagnosis of autism.” 

Miss Hickman, a cleaner, had struggled with mental ill health throughout her life and experienced depression, as well as frequent self-harm and overdosing. 

Summing up the evidence in court, the assistant coroner for Norfolk, Johanna Thompson, described how Miss Hickman died after “jumping out of a taxi”. 

She had discharged herself from hospital after being treated for self-harm, and spoke with Miss Clark over the telephone before leaving. Miss Clark said she “had not expressed any suicidal intent”. 

Once in the taxi, on the B1108 Earlham Road, she opened the door while it was still moving. She died there shortly afterwards on Saturday, June 4 from “multiple injuries”.

At the time, road closures were put in place.

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Following her death, the hospital carried out a Serious Incident Review. 

Prof Nancy Fontaine, chief nurse, said: "Our deepest condolences are with Angela’s family and friends following their loss. 

"A full and thorough investigation took place following Angela’s death, which highlighted a delay in assessment, miscommunication issues and a significant number of patients who required mental health care in the emergency department at the time. 

"We have met with the family and shared the recommendations, which include a review of our frequent attender policy and review of mental health services and facilities for patients attending as an emergency.

"There is also a new process to support communication for escalation of care and concern by staff." 

Evidence was also read out from the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust, which detailed both frequent attendances and refusal of help from Miss Hickman. She did, however, accept support previously from a health improvement practitioner.  

An inquest into Angela Hickman's death was held at Norfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)

The court also heard how lack of funding for mental health services had had a direct impact on her as she waited for an autism diagnosis. 

Her brother, Jeff Hickman, said: "While this conclusion does not bring Angela back, I am satisfied that so much attention at the inquest was paid to the impact autism can have on an individual and especially when the condition is undiagnosed. 

"The problem with a system of care that big is that when there are that many variables and moving parts, things can go wrong. This can then contribute to an outcome like this. And without enough funding, it will only get worse. 

"Although Angela found people difficult to deal with, she found it much easier to express her caring and empathetic side with animals - something she will be remembered for." 

Ms Thompson recorded a conclusion of misadventure. 

Angela Louisa Hickman was born on December 28 1971 in Plymouth, Devon.