The family of a young woman who died in a mental health hospital 300 miles from home hope an inquest will provide “vital answers” into her death.

Lauren Bridges was an inpatient at the privately-run Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal, near Stockport, when she was found unresponsive on February 24 last year.

The 20-year-old aspiring doctor, from Dorset, was taken to hospital and her family made six-hour drive to be at her bedside.

However, the following day a clinical decision was made in consultation with Lauren’s family to withdraw her life support.

An inquest examining the circumstances surrounding Lauren’s death is now due to be held.

Lauren was first referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) aged 15.

Dorset Echo: Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal, near Stockport.Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal, near Stockport. (Image: Google)

After passing her GCSEs, she started studying A Levels and aspired to become a doctor or a paediatric nurse.

She was first admitted to a psychiatric unit in October 2018, on a voluntary basis just as she was about to turn 17. Over the coming years she was admitted to units a further seven times. Her ninth admission was to Cheadle Royal in July 2021.

Following Lauren’s death, her mother Lindsey, 44, of Bournemouth, instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care.

She said: “As soon as I saw the phone ring in the middle of the night I just knew something had happened to Lauren. Those hours travelling to be with her and then in hospital will stay with me forever.

“Lauren showed everyone who knew her how to be a better person. She was the kindest, most caring, considerate human being I’m sure I’ll ever meet.

Dorset Echo: Lauren Bridges with her mother Lindsey Bridges and step-father James Hinton.Lauren Bridges with her mother Lindsey Bridges and step-father James Hinton. (Image: Bridges family)

“Lauren wasn’t just my daughter - she was my best friend and she was beautiful inside and out.

“I’d do anything to have Lauren back in our lives but sadly I know that’s not possible. I know the inquest is going to be incredibly upsetting, but I owe it to Lauren to honour her memory by at least establishing the answers as to why she died.”

Alexander Terry, a specialist lawyer representing Lauren’s loved ones, added: “If during the course of the hearing any issues are identified, it is important that lessons are learned to improve care for other patients.”

The inquest into Lauren’s death is due to start at Stockport Coroner’s Court on Monday, February 20, and is expected to last up to two weeks.