Grieving teacher, 32, devastated by the loss of her baby took her own life ... trends now
A teacher left devastated by the death of her baby took her own life seven months later after being failed by NHS mental health services.
Kath Brace, 32, and her fiancé Dan Berry were left heartbroken when their son Otis passed away at just a day old following complications in March 2022.
Family members said Miss Brace's mental health began to severely deteriorate following the tragedy.
She was admitted to a mental health hospital but despite taking an overdose while on unescorted leave, was allowed out unsupervised again on October 9 2022.
Her body was found nine hours later by her brother in a wooded area only a short distance from The Stonebow Unit in Hereford.
Her family said they had tried several times to raise concerns about Miss Brace's care and risk assessment but felt they were not listened to.
Kath Brace (right), 32, and her fiancé Dan Berry (left) were left heartbroken when their son Otis passed away at just a day old following complications in March 2022
Family members said Miss Brace's (pictured) mental health began to severely deteriorate following the tragedy
An inquest jury has concluded NHS failings were 'contributory factors' in the lead up to Miss Brace's death. Her family are now campaigning to improve maternity bereavement care and mental health support.
Her mother Angie Brace said: 'Kath went from being the optimistic and upbeat person we all knew to one who really struggled with her mental health.
'Each time she went into hospital we hoped that she would receive the care and support she needed and long awaited care plan, that was never forthcoming, to help her get better.
'Each time we tried to raise any concerns with the Hospital Trust when Kath was either detained or at home, we felt like we weren't really listened.'
Mrs Brace said the family tried to raise concerns, especially around her daughter absconding previously on unescorted leave, but felt 'shut out and not involved in the process of trying to get her the help she needed.'
'The promises made by one of Kath's responsible clinicians were broken,' she said.
'It's almost impossible to find the words to describe what the last year or so and coming to terms with what happened has been like.'
Miss Brace and Mr Berry, who met in 2010, had been delighted when they found out they were expecting in the autumn of 2021.
But Miss Brace, who worked at a forest school, went into premature labour at 33 weeks in March 2022 and her son, Otis died the following day.
Her mother said: 'Her life was good. She had bought a house with her fiancé which they were renovating and were planning on marrying. When Kath found out she was expecting Otis she felt so blessed, and she and Dan were facing the future with so much hope and excitement.
'However, sadly that all changed when Otis tragically passed away.'
Miss Brace's spent nearly four weeks in hospital as an informal voluntary patient.
Following an overdose
