BBC News Ni
Glass familyDoctors should legally be able to tell the parents whether their child is struggling with their mental health, the parents of a teenager have taken their lives.
Jessica Glasser died in May. Her parents Mary and David feel that they could have helped her even more if they knew “what he told GP behind the closed doors”.
Jessica was 17 years old when she first spoke to a GP in December 2024.
The Royal College of General Property (RCGP) in Northern Ireland has said that all doctors should work within the legal and moral outline and respect the patient’s privacy.
“Something needs to be changed about the age of disclosure,” Mrs. Glasser told BBC News Ni.
In Northern Ireland, people above 16 years of age have the ability to agree to medical treatment and According to General Medical Council (GMC), disclosure of their medical information,
For people under the age of 16, the ability to consent for disclosure is assessed on the basis of case-case, and if there is a shortage, the parents’ consent can be sought.
Jessica, who wanted to become a vet, turned 18 in January.
His parents said that he only came to know about the seriousness of his mental health conflicts from his GP after his death.
“We are in pain every day,” said Mrs. Glasser.
“He was our bright beautiful star.”
“Not being enough to help the youth here. Parents, GP and mental health doctors should have more busyness, even when your child is 18 or more.”
Glass familyRCGP said that the doctor-family relationship depended on secrecy.
“Doctors can only share information with family members when a patient, who has capacity, has given his consent,” said this.
Jessica’s parents told BBC News Ni that she was struggling after being fed up at an early age.
“The first bullying was with him throughout the year,” said Mr. Glasser.
“She kept all her burden with her because she did not want to hurt us.
“He was just a wonderful child and was working hard. Only the soul is being destroyed to go for him.
“The fact is that he is not here to fulfill his dreams, heartbreaking.”
Jessica consulted her mental health in December 2024, but an appointment in January 2025 was canceled due to the non -resonant holiday by the Mental Health Businessman.
His parents are angry that the appointment was not re -determined.
“It should never have happened,” said Mrs. Glasser.
“Lessons need to learn here.”
Jessica present told BBC News Ni that it was “unable to comment due to the patient’s privacy” but he expressed his deep sympathy to the family for his loss.
Mental health strategy
His parents have also asked for complete implementation of the mental health strategy of the health department.
“Our politicians actually need to fight more for our young people,” said Mrs. Glasser.
“This strategy has not been fully implemented yet?”
10 -year mental health strategy was published in June 2021There is a need to fully apply your recommendations with £ 1.2bn.
A spokesperson of the Health Department said that the Mental Health Minister was an important field of focusing and wanted to express his deep sympathy for the Glassers.
“Northern Ireland historically has a highness of mental illness compared to other regions of the United Kingdom in Northern Ireland.”
“Despite the high requirement, however, the level of money for services here has been low.”
To date, the department said that no additional funds were provided to support the implementation of the strategy.
The department said, “The minister will continue to suppress the matter for continuous additional funding.”
Mrs Glasser has called upon her parents to talk to her children if they have any concern.
“Never believe they are fine,” he said.
“Jessica did not always open because she cared and was not worrying us, but it is important to talk.
“Any parents should never deal with it. We want to help other parents.”
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