Settlement over death by suicide after hospital discharge

The widow of a man who died by suicide the day after his discharge from a mental health unit has demanded a complete overhaul of Ireland's mental health services. Caroline Kane spoke out after settling a High Court action against the Health Service Executive (HSE) and St Vincent's Healthcare Group.

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We need to overhaul the mental health services in this country.

Her husband, 39-year-old Gareth Kane, a musician and bass player for David Keenan, died by suicide on October 9, 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Senior Counsel Jeremy Maher told the court that alleged care failings contributed to Mr. Kane's death. He was found deceased at his home just one day after being released from St Vincent's University Hospital.

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I feel 100% let down.

The court heard that Mr. Kane had been admitted to the hospital on September 1, 2020, and discharged several days later. He subsequently had telephone consultations and was readmitted to the Elm Mount unit on September 30, 2020, remaining there until his discharge on October 8, 2020. Claims were made that Mr. Kane was inappropriately discharged on both occasions, with an alleged failure to provide an adequate treatment plan or keep him hospitalized until his depression was managed.

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The worst part for me is my kids are left without their father.

While the settlement was reached without an admission of liability, Caroline Kane expressed her profound disappointment. "I feel 100% let down," she stated, emphasizing the devastating impact on her children. "The worst part for me is my kids are left without their father." She urged the government to recognize the urgent need for comprehensive reform of the mental health system in the country.

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The Government "has to see there needs to be an overhaul of the mental health services in this country".