The family of a 28-year-old hairdresser who attempted to take her own life after she was admitted to a Limerick hospital and later died has settled a High Court action for €650,000.
Melissa O’Brien, the court heard, was found unconscious in a “makeshift toilet”, which was a temporary toilet unit set up during redevelopment works 11 years ago at what was then called the Midwestern Regional Hospital, Limerick, and is now known as University Hospital Limerick.
Dr John O’Mahony SC told the High Court it was a sad case where Ms O’Brien, who had two children, had significant difficulties of a psychiatric nature.
She was admitted to the hospital first in February 2012 and later discharged and readmitted to the hospital again.
Counsel said on March 5th, 2012, the mother of two was found in an unconscious state and was transferred to the hospital ICU, and she later died on March 29th, 2012.
Ms O’Brien’s mother, Jacqueline Quinn, of Watergate Flats, Limerick, had sued the HSE over the death of her daughter Melissa, of Peters Street, Limerick.
The proceedings were also brought by Ms O’Brien’s daughter, Emily Quirke (13).
Liability was admitted in the case.
Psychiatric unit
On February 15th, 2012, Ms O’Brien was admitted as a patient to the acute psychiatric unit at the Midwestern Regional Hospital, Limerick.
Two days later, it was claimed she was discharged but was readmitted back into the hospital due to ongoing concerns about her mental health.
On March 5th, 2012, Ms O’Brien was found in an unconscious state near the door of a temporary toilet located at the hospital unit.
She was admitted to the intensive care unit after being diagnosed with a brain injury secondary to cardiac arrest following an attempted suicide. She died on March 29th, 2012.
It was claimed there was a failure to properly monitor or supervise Ms O’Brien and a failure to properly assess the suicide risk. It was further claimed the temporary toilets were allowed to be located at an alleged unsafe distance from the high-observation ward.
It was also alleged there was a failure to take any appropriate remedial or preventative action in respect of alleged ligature points in the temporary toilets.
Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey extended his deepest sympathy to Ms O’Brien’s family.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can freephone the Samaritans 24 hours a day for confidential support at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
Alternatively, the contact information for a range of mental health supports is available at mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support.
In the case of an emergency, or if you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or self-harm, dial 999/112.
