The final moments of a 14-year-old girl were captured in haunting footage after she was left unattended in a hospital by a staff member who used a fake ID. Ruth Szymankiewicz, undergoing treatment for an eating disorder at Huntercombe Hospital in Berkshire, tragically took her own life despite being under strict one-to-one observation due to previous self-harm incidents. CCTV footage from the hospital depicts Ruth walking alone through the corridors after leaving a lounge on February 12, 2022, with a blanket wrapped around her.
The teenager was unsupervised for 15 minutes in her room after shutting the door, during which she self-harmed. Despite a nurse finding her and calling for help, Ruth passed away two days later at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Ellesha Brannigan, a clinical team leader at the ward, discovered Ruth unconscious in her room and attempted to revive her with chest compressions.
The staff member responsible for Ruth’s supervision, identified as Ebo Acheampong, was later revealed to have used false identity documents and fled to Ghana after the incident. A jury at the inquest concluded that Ruth’s death was unlawful. Ruth’s parents expressed their distress over the lack of family access and support during her time at the hospital, believing that more frequent contact could have prevented the tragedy.
For mental health assistance, contact the Samaritans at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org for support.
