Coroner finds hospital decision unwise after woman died by suicide

Monday 10 November 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Mon 10 Nov 2025, 8:15am

A coroner has ruled that Palmerston North Hospital's decision to grant Gabriella Freeland leave was unwise. The 28-year-old died by suicide in Auckland the day after being released from a mental health unit. Family members were reportedly unaware of her recent suicide attempt.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldMon 10 Nov 2025, 5:00am

   Coroner finds several failings by Palmerston North’s mental health unit after Gabriella Freeland died by suicide while on leave (opens in new tab)

2. StuffMon 10 Nov 2025, 5:00am

   They let her leave hospital five days after she attempted suicide. She took her own life the next day (opens in new tab)

3. RNZMon 10 Nov 2025, 6:18am

   Mental health in-patient killed herself after being given leave to go home for Christmas (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesMon 10 Nov 2025, 8:15am

   Mental health in-patient killed herself after being given leave for Christmas (opens in new tab)