Inquest hears tributes to 'talented Workington nurse who had a great future in front of her'

Jemma Brown, 39, died in the West Cumberland Hospital – where she had her first job – on January 30. Police had earlier gone to her home in Harrington, Workington, after friends raised concerns.

Family and friends attended her inquest in Cockermouth on Tuesday.

“She was an incredibly kind and caring individual, a great friend and family member,” said her mother Angela Brown.

“She loved her role as a recovery nurse and was very dedicated to her job."

Ms Brown was born in Hanover, Germany, as her father, Bryan, was in the Army.

The family returned to the UK in 1987 and moved to Workington in 1992.

Ms Brown went to St Gregory’s Primary and Infants, and St Joseph’s Secondary School. She had five step siblings.

After leaving school she went to Carlisle College where she gained a nursing degree.

Ms Brown's first job was at the West Cumberland Hospital, in Whitehaven, where she worked as a recovery nurse. She was promoted within 12 months and transferred to the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, at the age of 26, said Mrs Brown.

She was working there as a recovery nurse at the time of her death.

Mr Brown said his daughter had lived in a cottage next to his house until February 2021. “She was a great kid and would do anything for you,” he said.

Area coroner Kirsty Gomersal heard that Ms Brown had had issues with her mental health.

Her GP said she there had been mental health issues in the past. Following a suicide attempt in 2019, she had psychological therapies.

The inquest heard that Ms Brown had been at a baby shower before going out in Workington with her partner, Jenny O'Driscoll, and friends. She had been drinking and got in an argument with Ms O'Driscoll, who decided not to return to their home that night and said she would collect her belongings another day.

In the early hours of the morning, Ms Brown messaged Ms O'Driscoll's sister, Stacey. She sent messages and photos indicating she had harmed herself and saying ‘I’m sorry’, the inquest heard.

The police were called and forced entry. They found her unresponsive and despite attempts to revive her by police, paramedics and the hospital resuscitation team, Ms Brown was pronounced deceased.

A toxicology report found significant levels of alcohol – "nearly but not quite three times over the drink-drive limit," said Ms Gomersal.

A post mortem gave the medical cause of death as hanging, a contributory factor was alcohol consumption levels which "would be consistent with potential impairment of judgment", the inquest heard.

Miss Gomersal said: "I'm sorry you lost such a wonderful person who clearly devoted her life to helping others. This is an absolute tragedy.

"Jemma was clearly a talented nurse who had a great future in front of her."

She accepted Ms Brown's judgment could have been impaired by alcohol but concluded her death was suicide.

"On the balance of probability and evidence she intended the consequences of self suspension to be to take her own life," said Ms Gomersal.

"I base this on the messages she sent her friend – the photo and saying she was sorry. Also her relationship had very recently broken down."

She noted the efforts made by police and medics to save her life. "Tragically they could not prevent her death," said Ms Gomersal.

"She was a much-loved daughter, sister, cousin and friend, a valued member of a loving family and community.

"It’s clear that all who knew Jemma loved and cherished her.

"She was a nurse who had found her vocation. She had time for everyone and always put others first."

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