Family of Man Who Took His Own Life in Hospital Settles Action for €1 Million

The family of a man who died by suicide hours after admission to a psychiatric hospital in Cork has reached a €1 million settlement in their High Court action against the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE and St. Stephen's Hospital in Glanmire also issued an apology for the "failings in the care" afforded to the man, who was discovered deceased in his hospital room more than six years ago.

John O’Mahony, representing the family, informed the High Court that the €1 million settlement is believed to be one of the largest in a case of this nature. He stated that a breach of duty was admitted, and the settlement was finalized after mediation between the parties.

The man, whose identity is protected by court order, had a history of psychiatric illness. He had spent nine days at Glanmire hospital earlier in November 2019, diagnosed with paranoid psychosis. He was discharged with an outpatient appointment scheduled for November 21, 2019.

“

The HSE and St Stephen’s Hospital, Glanmire, also apologised in a letter read to the High Court for the “failings in the care” afforded to the man, who was found dead in his hospital room more than six years ago.

However, three days later, on November 24, 2019, the man left home after telling a family member he intended to take his own life. Gardaí brought him to the emergency departments of two Cork hospitals, where attempts were made to admit him. He was subsequently admitted to St. Stephen's Hospital at 2:30 a.m. on November 25, 2019, but was found dead before 9 a.m. that same morning.

O’Mahony noted that the man had been an inpatient at the psychiatric hospital on several occasions. In the hours preceding his death, he was admitted as a voluntary patient after "threatening suicide in a very emphatic manner." Counsel added that the man was "in a very precarious state" and had consumed alcohol. Despite these factors, after speaking with staff, he stated he would not carry out his threats and was placed in a single room.

“

I believed the €1 million settlement figure to be one of the largest in such a case.

A system analysis review conducted by the HSE post-death recommended improvements, including implementing a robust plan to minimize risk when a single room is used for patients with suicidal ideation. It also advised enhanced training for mental health staff on suicide prevention and the implementation of a protocol for new admissions.

In their letter of apology, the HSE and St. Stephen's Hospital stated, "We wish to apologize to you unreservedly and offer our heartfelt condolences. We acknowledge the grief and suffering that you and your family continue to endure. We are truly sorry."

Proceedings claimed a failure to consider the man's medical history, including his diagnoses of paranoid psychosis and schizoaffective disorder, as well as his recent suicide attempt prior to hospital admission.

“

We wish to apologize to you unreservedly and offer our heartfelt condolences. We acknowledge the grief and suffering that you and your family continue to endure. We are truly sorry.