A WOMAN suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder went through "a lot" of care coordinators, meant to oversee her complex needs, prior to her death, a court heard.
An inquest into the death of Charlotte Comer heard the 30-year-old had been suffering from the condition - where a person spends a lot of time worrying about their appearance, and struggled with eating disorders and self-harming.
Miss Comer, from Earls Croome, near Malvern, died in July 2021.
On the inquest’s second day, the court heard from Rob Coleman, who served as Miss Comer's care coordinator twice - the second time in May 2021.
Care coordinators support and educate people to ensure those most affected by health inequalities benefit from personalised care.
Mr Coleman said he had volunteered for the role a second time, due to staff shortages, but added: "I was nervous about getting involved again."
Coroner David Reid asked: "Why were you nervous?"
Mr Coleman explained that more people had become involved in her support including psychologists and psychiatrists.
"I didn't know how I could intervene," Mr Coleman said.
Mr Coleman said that when he heard Miss Comer had moved to a Worcestershire village where he also lived, someone else was then allocated to be her care coordinator.
After being asked if he had made contact with Miss Comer to explain he replied "no", saying he had wanted to stick to professional boundaries.
Mr Coleman said when he was appointed her care coordinator the second time, Miss Comer "didn't realise her (current) one had left".
The coroner asked: "Why didn't you tell her when you left?"
"I don't know sir," Mr Coleman replied.
Mr Coleman said Miss Comer had never indicated to him that she was unhappy with his appointment, but he later discovered this was the case when he was no longer in the role.
The inquest also heard about the events of July 18, 2021.
Miss Comer had gone into Worcestershire Royal Hospital for assessment on a deep wound caused by self-harming.
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The inquest heard from staff who said she had appeared cooperative and was engaging with a treatment plan. But she had later discharged herself despite being there were infection risks if the wound was not treated.
Staff said they understood she was at risk of suicide but because she was not distressed and was engaging with treatment, they chose not to use the mental health act to prevent her from leaving.
Miss Comer's week-long inquest, continues at Worcester Coroner's Court in Stourport.
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