Two charged with manslaughter after death at Oberlands

A statement from Guernsey Police said that a 31-year-old man and 30-year-old woman have been bailed to appear in the Magistrate's Court next month [22 October].

Lauren Ellis died suddenly at the PEH on 12 October, 2017. Police said at the time that her death was not being treated as suspicious. Two people were arrested in early December and bailed pending further enquiries.

Health and Social Care president Heidi Soulsby said that following Ms Ellis' death several steps were taken immediately: 'In addition to fully supporting Guernsey Police with its investigation, HSC also instigated an independent and external review into the mental health services we provide,' she said.

Details could not be provided while criminal proceedings were ongoing: 'I wish to make it very clear that we will publish the report in full as soon as we are able.'.

At this stage Deputy Soulsby was able to say that the external reviewer had confirmed that their overall impression was that mental health service provision in the Bailiwick was of a good standard.

'The review did identify some areas of the service which could be strengthened further, which we welcome and have taken the necessary steps to implement its recommendations,' said Deputy Soulsby.

‘On behalf of the committee, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lauren Ellis for their tragic loss.'

The committee could not comment further until the criminal proceedings had concluded.

BLOB Ms Ellis was a campaigner for having better mental health services in the island and had helped organise the Hope walk last year to raise awareness of the suicides of people under 35. She died shortly before it took place. Because of the criminal proceedings an inquest into her death has yet to take place.