HSE’s conduct under fire

THE HSE seemed to have tried to “shoehorn” Miss D into an X case-type situation although it had no evidence that she was ever suicidal, Mr Justice McKechnie said.

While it would “perhaps be unfair” to criticise the HSE for seeking to create an X case scenario, he said he was “most surprised” at the absence of any recorded decision of the HSE on the most crucial aspect of the case — what course of action would be in the best interests of the girl.

In his judgment, the judge was very critical of the actions of the HSE in dealing with Miss D’s situation. He said the position of the HSE had changed significantly, “some would say dramatically”, during the case.