Child’s Death Follows Closure of Spokane Youth Psychiatric Center

Background

Individual Involved: Sarah June Niyimbona
Incident: Sarah, who had been receiving intermittent psychiatric care, died after slipping out of her hospital room and jumping from a parking structure.
Timeline: The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on April 13; she died two hours later in the emergency room.

Family’s Questions: Sarah's sister, Asha Joseph, expressed confusion and demanded answers regarding the lack of supervision and how Sarah was able to leave.
Hospital’s Statement: Providence Sacred Heart has not released detailed information, citing privacy laws but extended their sympathy to the family.

Closure Details: Providence Sacred Heart closed its Psychiatric Center for Children and Adolescents six months prior to Sarah’s death.
- Closure opposed by staff and community due to concerns about lack of inpatient mental health care beds.
- Hospital justified closure citing financial losses and claimed a local facility would meet demand.
Critics’ Concerns: Critics argue Sarah’s death exemplifies the harm anticipated from the closure.

Statements from Critics:
- David Keepnews, Washington State Nurses Association, criticized the decision as financially driven at the community's expense.
- Kaili Timperley, a former nurse, argued the hospital’s plan post-closure was inadequate.
Current Situation:
- Emergency and pediatric departments are less equipped for psychiatric care.
- Pediatric unit renovations lack adequate security; staff are undertrained for psychiatric care.

Care Environment: Sarah was confined, with minimal peer interaction and therapeutic care compared to the former psychiatric center.
- Originally had continuous monitoring, including a sitter and camera, which were removed weeks before her death.
Last Days:
- Sarah expressed desire to return home; her care was described as dehumanizing by staff.
- In her final days, door alarms were triggered frequently due to basic needs like food and bathroom access.

Staff Reaction: Staff were emotional, feeling helpless as they had raised safety concerns prior.
Secrecy Pressure: Hospital staff were advised against discussing the incident publicly.
Family’s Legal and Emotional Response: The family is seeking medical records and legal advice to understand and address the situation.

Personal Attributes: Described as sassy, outspoken, selfless, and supportive.
School and Social Challenges: Faced bullying, resulting in moodiness and self-harm incidents.

Memorial: The family and community gathered for Sarah’s funeral, celebrating her life and mourning her loss.
Next Steps: Family is considering legal action while seeking closure and understanding.

InvestigateWest: The article was initially published by InvestigateWest, part of the Mental Health Parity Collaborative focused on mental health care access and inequities.