The two NHS agencies whose decision resulted in a mentally ill mother taking her own life claim they have “reviewed the issues to ensure lessons are learned”.

An inquest into the death of a Sheila Agnes McInulty, 63, of Whitchurch Lane found “failures at every level” by NHS Barnet and Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL).

The 63-year-old was suffering with a complex mental health condition which included repeated suicide attempts.

A psychiatrist had recommended extended rehabilitation with the hope that she would eventually return home but Mrs McInulty was released early due to a funding decision by NHS Barnet and CNWL.

On February 2, 2011 she overdosed on prescription medications and died in her home.

CNWL, which delivers the commissioning of residential care placements on behalf of Harrow Council, said in a statement: “We would again like to offer condolences to Mrs McInulty’s family at this sad time.

“The Trust is committed to ensuring the highest levels of patient care and safety.

“We are aware that in this case a misunderstanding was made relating to whether residential care could be funded from the social care budget that had been allocated to Mrs McInulty.

“Following this misunderstanding the Trust has reviewed its processes to ensure that wherever disputes in funding occur, no patients are put at risk.

“Arrangements in Harrow are now very robust and, should funding disputes arise, CNWL ensures continuity of care and makes an immediate placement for the individual, thereby taking on the financial responsibility until the dispute is resolved.”

The decision to release Mrs McInulty was based on an incorrect assessment made by NHS Barnet which said her needs were primarily for social care not health care.

Mrs McInulty was sent home to an empty house on November 19 despite clinical staff at Mountview Residential Care Home expressing concern that the move was not in her interest, might cause harm and interrupt rehabilitation.

Although at first she coped well, her condition deteriorated and she committed suicide the following February.

In a statement on behalf of all three NHS agencies involved in the case, a spokesman for the North and East London Commissioning Support Unit, said it has reviewed the issues surrounding the tragic incident, identified shortcomings and created a plan to ensure lessons are learned.

A spokesperson for the NHS support unit said: “We would like to apologise unreservedly to Mrs McInulty’s family for the grief caused.

“The coroner has seen our action plan.

“We will now study the coroner’s report and if there are further lessons to be learned, these will be incorporated into our action plan.”