Complaint over HSE’s discharging of Mayo mental health patient to empty house

THE Ombudsman has dealt with a complaint from a man that Mayo Mental Health Services discharged his brother from its care to an empty house and without a care plan.

In its examination of the case, the Ombudsman, Peter Tyndall, said the decision to discharge a patient is a clinical one and is outside his remit.

Mr. Tyndall continued: “The patient’s medical notes indicated that the patient was deemed well enough to be discharged.

“The nursing staff informed the patient’s sister of his discharge plan at that time.

“In addition, the nursing notes record that the patient gained access to his house after he got a key from another member of his family.

“Furthermore, the nursing notes record that staff had extensive contact with the patient following his discharge.

“The HSE explained that the first home visit took place the day after his discharge and continued for several months. However, the patient did not always accept the assistance offered.

“The HSE allocated a personal assistant to the patient in August 2018 and agreed to monitor his condition.

“The Ombudsman is satisfied that the HSE responded appropriately to the man’s needs.”