Family of deceased Leas Cross patient unhappy with terms of HSE probe

THE family of a former Leas Cross patient have rejected the terms of reference of an inquiry into his death.

Peter McKenna, 60, died just days after he was moved into the controversial north Dublin facility from St Michael’s House.

His family had objected to his transfer. He had been looked after for 23 years at St Michael’s House but the care centre said it could no longer care for him.

A previous report by Martin Hynes in 2005 criticised Mr McKenna’s transfer to Leas Cross and the failure of St Michael’s House to provide clinical back-up.

A medical officer noted it would be difficult to manage Mr McKenna at the home given his high dependency needs. However, in Leas Cross he was put in a room on his own on the top floor of the home with a call bell he could not operate.

St Michael’s House said the report was flawed.

Mr McKenna, who had Alzheimer’s disease and Down’s syndrome, died of blood poisoning 13 days after being moved to Leas Cross.

Following the report into his death, an inquiry was announced by Health Minister Mary Harney in June this year.

Mr McKenna’s family received its terms of reference last Wednesday but wrote back to the department this week rejecting the scope and wording of the inquiry.

Ms Harney has appointed SC Conor Dignam to head up the inquiry which has been given three months to finish.

The family of Mr McKenna want the inquiry to include those who cared for him in Leas Cross and not just the officials and staff involved in his transfer.

Furthermore, objections have been made to the inclusion of documents “available”. The family say the inquiry should include all documents “produced” in connection with Mr McKenna’s case.

The Health Service Executive yesterday said it expected the inquiry would begin soon, pending negotiations with the family.

“All parties engaged with the care and treatment of the later Peter McKenna will be included in this inquiry,” said a spokeswoman.

Mr McKenna’s half brother Dan Moore said: “We were bitterly disappointed after the last inquiry and felt like we’d been given the cold shoulder.”