Tragic Consequences: Excessive Water Intake Claims Mother's Life

An inquest into the death of Michelle Whitehead, a mother-of-two admitted to a mental health unit in England, has found that she died after drinking excessive amounts of water while staff were distracted by their phones. Despite exhibiting signs of psychogenic polydipsia, a psychiatric disorder characterized by excessive water consumption, Whitehead was not diagnosed and had unmonitored access to water. The investigation revealed multiple failures in care, including inadequate monitoring, staff distraction, and delayed medical intervention. The Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has apologized and pledged to address the concerns raised. Whitehead's husband expressed that earlier action could have saved her life and described her as a warm and caring person.