‘Won’t help me’: Woman’s tragic message before taking own life

The heartbreaking last post of a young woman discharged from a Queensland hospital hours before she died has been revealed. Warning: Distressing

The heartbroken family of a young woman who died by suicide have spoken about the tragic details surrounding her death.

Courtney Morison was allegedly discharged from Townsville University Hospital on two separate occasions in October 2022 after twice attempting to take her own life.

The young woman had tried to take her life twice in the days leading up to her death, once on October 9 and again on October 10.

She was allegedly sent home on both occasions hours after being admitted and voiced her frustrations at not being taken seriously on Facebook.

Courtney died the next morning on October 11.

Courtney Morison took her own life in October 2022 at 22 years of age. Picture: Supplied.

“How do you deal with being told it’s behavioural all (the) time from the (hospital) …” she wrote.

“Everyone around can see something is clearly wrong but they won’t help me cause (sic) it’s behavioural apparently.”

The hospital is now being investigated in a “full clinical review” following her death after she was released from the mental health unit in October.

The revelation comes just one week after the same hospital came under fire for sending veteran Steven Angus home after he tried to harm himself, just hours before he was shot dead by police.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said that while it was not appropriate to comment on individual cases, she had been advised a review of Courtney’s care was under way.

She posted a message to Facebook detailing how she felt the hospital didn't take her mental health problems seriously. Picture: Supplied

“This could help the Townsville Hospital and Health Service shape any actions, should the findings come back with recommendations,” Ms D’Ath told the Courier Mail.

“In addition to any local review, we recognise there is still a lot of work to be done across the state regarding mental health, alcohol and other drug services.”

Courtney’s heartbroken mother, Anne Le Pla, and sister, Brittany Morison, believe that the hospital should have done more to help Courtney and that she never should have been released so soon

“If somebody goes in there twice in a row trying to take their own life, you would think that would mean something was wrong,” Mrs Le Pla told the outlet.

“At the end of the day, what they told her was inexcusable. Every moving part has played a part in this.”

Brittany claims she was aware that the Townsville University Hospital would often “dismiss” her sister.

Courtney was close with her sister Brittany (left). Picture: Supplied.

Anne Le Pla has been devastated by the loss of her daughter. Picture: Daryl Wright

“A lot of the time Courtney would tell me they (TUH) didn’t do anything,” she said.

“They would often dismiss her, said there is nothing wrong with her, that they can’t treat it as it’s more a behavioural problem, even though she has been diagnosed with mental health issues.”

Mrs Le Pla said she struggled to understand how her daughter was discharged from hospital.

“I don’t want any other mother to go through what we are going through,” she said.

“Every day is a new sensation of pain.”

The grieving mother and sister describes Courtney as a funny and cheeky “smart arse”, but said inside that bubbly persona was a young woman dealing with an internal mental health struggle.

Courtney was described as a funny and cheeky young woman. Picture: Supplied.

The hospital is under investigation. Picture: Supplied.

Mrs Le Pla explained that her daughter was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2018, but was on medication and knew when to get herself help.

Her loving sister Brittany added that her sister did not like to burden anyone with her struggles, but knew to seek professional help when she needed it.

“Courtney has suffered with her mental health for many years,” she said.

“When she was living up in Townsville she would present herself to the hospital when she was struggling, something I was extremely proud of.

“Whenever she thought of hurting herself or was struggling she always reached out for help every time.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes confirmed that a review was underway.

“I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family of Ms Morison,” Mr. Keyes said.

“I can confirm a clinical review is currently underway into the care Ms Morison received.

“Findings will determine if there are any learnings or actions resulting from this tragedy.

“Our health service is subject to privacy and confidentiality legislation and for this reason, I

am unable to provide any further details about Ms Morison’s care.”