Warning: This story discusses mental health and suicide
An inquest into the suspected suicide of Erica Hume eight years ago at Palmerston North Hospital is finally underway.
The 21-year-old died just three weeks after the death of her friend Shaun Gray in the same mental health ward.
This day's been a long time coming for her parents, Carey and Owen Hume.
"It's taken us eight years to get here," Owen said.
A delay the coroner apologised for.
"Mine are the third set of hands Erica's file has been passed to. It's less than satisfactory. For delays and changes, I am sorry," Coroner Matthew Bates said.
Erica died in 2014 while in the care of Palmerston North Hospital's mental health unit.
Her father struggled to hold back his emotion as he described his daughter to the court.
"A happy beautiful kid… a daughter any father would be proud of and still is," Owen said.
The court heard how the 21-year-old had struggled with her mental health since she was 16.
"Not just one part of the health system that failed Erica, it was just about all of it. And it failed not just Erica," Owen said.
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Erica died just three weeks after her friend Shaun Gray died in a suspected suicide - in the same hospital ward.
His parents were also in court today to support the Humes.
Erica told her mental health support worker that Shaun's death, and a university class video about self-harm, triggered her suicidal thoughts.
"Erica did not want to die. She wanted to live. And she asked for help," Owen said.
Coroner Bates - who is also investigating Shaun's death - will examine the circumstances around Erica's death over the next three weeks.
He told the court while there have been improvements made at MidCentral DHB since 2014, more are needed.
"There have been incidents since then, I am acutely aware of that, so there is still work to be done," he said.
Exactly what work is needed will likely be revealed in recommendations from the Coroner.
But those could take months and are likely to be released to both families at the same time.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
