HSE apologises to retired nurse over inquiry

THE Health Service Executive has apologised to a retired east Clare nurse over its failure to properly investigate the alleged abuse of patients in the Clare mental health service in 2003 and 2004.

The Ombudsman requested the HSE to apologise to Feakle nurse Bridie Cox after supporting her claim that complaints of abuse were not properly investigated under the HSE’s Trust in Care policy. In a letter to a HSE manager in September 2006, Ms Cox claimed the alleged abuse had been witnessed by other staff as well as by clients.

In the absence of any evidence to support the complaints, three HSE executive members who were appointed under its Trust in Care policy, concluded her allegations didn’t warrant further investigation.