Inquest into death of 'inspiring' NHS TV chaplain
HandoutA coroner has paid tribute to an "inspiring" hospital chaplain who went "above and beyond" in her role caring for patients and staff.
Katie Watson, a former army captain, appeared on the Channel 4 documentary Geordie Hospital, about life in a Newcastle hospital.
The 50-year-old mother-of-two was found in Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, in September, having suffered long-standing mental health issues which required both community and in-patient treatment.
Coroner Karin Welsh, sitting in Newcastle, concluded that her death was suicide.
Ms Welsh said although some areas of the chaplain's treatment from mental health services could have been handled differently, the coroner did not find that failings led to her taking her own life.
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The inquest heard how Ms Watson had a turbulent upbringing before she joined the military, but that she was dismissed due to her sexuality.
Having served in Bosnia where she witnessed genocide, the inquest heard she developed post-traumatic stress disorder.
She was ordained and became head of chaplaincy at the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust in 2020, during the pandemic.
Ms Welsh paid tribute, saying: "I work closely with people who knew Katie and they always spoke very highly of her and the work she has done."
After the hearing, her partner Dr Emily Watson said: "Katie was a unique, inspiring, compassionate person who touched the lives of thousands of people.
"I am very grateful for the many hundreds of cards and messages I received when she died, and all the stories of how her ministry supported people at some of their darkest times."
Ms Watson featured in two series of the Geordie Hospital documentary, which followed the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's staff through a typical shift.
Also known as the Reverend Captain Katie Watson, she often appeared alongside her staff welfare hound Poppy.
Additional reporting by PA Media