An inquest has heard that Bethany Hewitt told a GP she was experiencing thoughts of suicide and self-harm after waiting three years for an ADHD assessment. The 34-year-old mother of two was found hanged in Runcorn, Cheshire, on February 22, 2026.
Ms Hewitt had disclosed suicidal thoughts during a GP appointment 19 days earlier, on February 3. She scored 15 out of 27 on a PHQ9 depression questionnaire, one point below the level at which healthcare guidance says an urgent referral to specialist mental health services should be considered.
She denied having an active suicide plan, and the GP did not arrange a follow-up appointment. It was also decided that she would not be referred to secondary mental health services or for an urgent assessment under the Mental Health Act, Cheshire Coroner’s Court heard.
A Prevention of Future Deaths report issued by Sarah Murphy, assistant coroner for Cheshire, said it was “likely” that the prolonged wait for an ADHD assessment, together with worsening perceived symptoms, contributed to a decline in Ms Hewitt’s mental health.
The inquest concluded that the question of intent surrounding her death remained unclear.
Three-year wait for ADHD assessment
Ms Hewitt had first been referred to ADHD Service Halton, part of Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, by the Primary Care Mental Health Team on February 16, 2023.
More than a year later, on October 21, 2024, she spoke to a GP at Grove House Medical Practice in Runcorn. She was in tears as she described worsening symptoms, severe anxiety and difficulties completing everyday tasks.
The GP requested an expedited ADHD assessment on November 6. Ms Hewitt also started taking 25mg of the antidepressant sertraline and was warned that a possible side effect was an increased risk of suicidal thoughts.
No follow-up appointment was arranged after she began taking the medication, the inquest heard.
On November 19, ADHD Service Halton rejected the expedited request, saying there was “insufficient evidence”. However, the response was not shown to the GP who had made the referral or to any other GP, leaving Ms Hewitt without an assessment.
By the time of her death, she had still not received a diagnostic assessment.
Concerns over ADHD referral process
In her report, Ms Murphy said there were no national guidelines governing ADHD referrals or requests for expedited assessments.
“I am concerned that this may result in an inconsistent approach, and that waiting times may vary across the country, with patients not knowing how long they should be expected to wait for a diagnostic assessment,” she said.
The report said Ms Hewitt had reported on a questionnaire that, for several days during the previous two weeks, she had been troubled by thoughts that she would be better off dead or might hurt herself.
At the consultation the following day, she linked those responses to the wait for an ADHD assessment and a perceived worsening of her symptoms. She again denied having an active suicide plan.
ADHD Service Halton receives about 100 referrals and approximately 60 expedited requests each month, the inquest heard. Up to 1,250 patients are waiting for an assessment.
Tributes to Ms Hewitt described her as a “beautiful” woman with a vibrant personality. One tribute said: “Your beautiful smile and vibrant energy could light up any room. Taken far too soon.”
Another described her as “always full of fun” and “the life and soul of the party”, while a further message said her family would cherish memories of parties, camping trips and holidays.
Anyone needing confidential support can call Samaritans free on 116 123.
