Husband Instructs Medical Negligence Lawyers To Represent Family At Inquest Into Mum's Death

The family of an ophthalmologist whose body was found after her husband “struggled” to get her referred to specialist mental health workers are demanding answers. 

Poonam Sachdeva, who had a history of mental illness and psychosis, relapsed and could hear voices telling her to take her life, her family said. 

Poonam's husband told to fill out form to get wife urgent mental health referral

Her husband Vipin tried to get the mum-of-two an urgent referral to a mental health crisis team through the Single Point of Access (SPA) service, run by Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, which deals with referrals. 

However, the Trust told Vipin he needed a referral from her GP. When Vipin phoned the surgery outlining his wife’s symptoms and medical history, he was told to complete a form. 

Days after phoning the surgery, Poonam, who worked in the ophthalmology department at Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital, left the family home in the early hours of the morning. 

Sadly, her body was later found at Ladybower Reservoir. The 44-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. No referral was in place at the time of Poonam’s death.

Medical negligence lawyers asked to secure answers over death of Sheffield mum-of-two

Following Poonam’s death Vipin, aged 48, of Crookes, Sheffield, instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and help secure answers for him and the couple’s two children Archit and Grace, aged 22 and 17. 

The family have now spoken for the first time about their devastating loss and how they hope an upcoming inquest will provide them with the “vital answers they deserve.”

The family will be represented at the inquest by Irwin Mitchell.

Sinead Rollinson-Hayes is the expert medical negligence and inquest lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Poonam’s loved ones.

Expert Opinion

“Poonam was not only a much-loved wife and mum but also a cherished and respected health professional.

“The last few months and trying to come to terms with her death and the circumstances surrounding it has been incredibly difficult for Vipin and the rest of her family.

“Understandably, they have a number of questions and concerns about the events that unfolded in the days before Poonam’s death and if more could have been done to refer her to the crisis team.

“While nothing can bring Poonam back, the inquest is a major milestone in being able to provide her loved ones with the answers they deserve.

“If during the course of the hearing any issues are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve care for others.” Sinead Rollinson-Hayes

Mental health: Poonam Sachdeva's story

Poonam was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2014 for which she took medication. She had had several relapses and had been referred to the crisis team several times previously. 

On Wednesday, 28 February, 2024, Poonam suffered a relapse. On Thursday, 29 February, 2024, Poonam attended her GP appointment in the morning and got her medication dosage increased.

However, Poonam continued to suffer symptoms. On Friday, 1 March, Vipin called the SPA service asking for his wife to be taken into care of the crisis team. Vipin said his wife was expressing suicidal tendencies and needed urgent help. 

He was told he needed a GP referral. When Vipin called the surgery the same day concerned for his wife, and that she had been previously been referred to the crisis team, he was told to fill out a form. 

Poonam was seen on CCTV leaving the family home at about 5am on Monday, 4 March, 2024. At around 6.30am Vipin realised she was missing. 

Emergency services were called. Poonam’s body was found shortly afterwards.   

Vipin's tribute to beautiful soul Poonam as he reveals family's hope for answers 

Vipin said: “Poonam was the most wonderful wife and mum anyone could wish for. She adored her family and was such a kind-hearted person with an infectious smile. 

“Poonam meant the world not only to us but her many friends, both at work and socially. Poonam was incredibly talented, hard-working, diligent and successful in her career. She was also very active, would run regularly, play badminton and attend sewing classes. 

“While she faced mental health issues and several relapses over the years, she had a good understanding of her illness and how to manage it. Poonam never refrained from any challenges including at work. 

“When was relapsed again, we knew it was serious. However, when I tried to explain her symptoms and my concerns for my wife it felt like I was going through an automated process, and I felt like I struggled to get her referred. 

“That morning when I saw her car had gone, deep down I was scared but also frightened to admit what may have happened. 

“When we were told Poonam had passed away our family crumbled. 

“Poonam was a beautiful soul, there was no bad in her, just a kind and caring person. She was loved by all who knew her, including her employment who have put a plaque in her memory in a mental wellbeing calm room, as well as planted a pink cherry blossom in the lawns of the Royal Hallamshire Hospital where she worked.

“While the months have passed the devastation of losing her hasn’t eased. Having so many unanswered questions adds to the hurt and pain our family wake with daily.

“I know the inquest and listening to the evidence is going to upsetting but it’s something I need to do to at least establish answers in Poonam’s memory.”
 
An inquest into Poonam’s death is due to take place at Sheffield Medico-Legal Centre on 12 December. 

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in securing answers for families concerned about a loved one's care at our dedicated medical negligence section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 150 100.