BEREAVED families have said they are “not surprised” that a Sussex-based NHS trust has been rated third worst in the country after repeated failures were highlighted during their loved ones’ inquests.

The Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT), which provides mental health and learning disability services, was ranked 59th out of 61 non-acute trusts across Britain in data published this week by the Department for Health and Social Care.

A group of families who believe their relatives died by suicide “because of failings in care from SPFT” has formed to highlight similarities across their cases.

They cite poor record keeping, unprofessional behaviour and what they describe as a “toxic and harmful” culture.

Among the cases is that of 19-year-old mother Morgan Betchley, who died on a Meadowfield Hospital ward in Worthing in March 2023.

Jurors at her inquest last year concluded there had been “repeated failures to follow policies and procedures.”

Her mother-in-law, NHS worker Louise Hodgson, said the trust responds with “tick-box ‘solutions’” rather than moves to address its culture.

Sussex Partnership chief medical officer Dr Oliver Dale said the trust is “absolutely committed to learning and taking action to improve where it is needed.”