A WOMAN who was suffering from depression hung herself while she was a patient on Leigh Infirmary's psychiatric ward.

An inquest at Leigh heard how Jean Simm was found hanging by a dressing gown cord shortly before her 66th birthday.

Mrs Simm, of Elm Tree Road, Lowton, had been admitted to the ward on February 6 as a voluntary patient.

Coroner Aidan Cotter heard she was sectioned and ordered to remain on the ward a few days before her death on April 23. She was being treated for mental problems, depression and anxiety and had attempted suicide three years earlier when she cut her wrists.

Investigations after Mrs Simm's death revealed there was no record of her having been checked between 7.50pm and when she was found dead at 8.35pm.

The coroner was told an inquiry was held at the hospital as to how Mrs Simm acquired the dressing gown cord and why the observation sheet had not been filled in.

Mr Cotter recorded a verdict that Mrs Simm took her own life while suffering from depression.

"There is conflicting evidence about time checking -- Mrs Simm seems to have been checked, but the report wasn't completed. I believe since Mrs Simm's death the system has been changed."