Protest due amid claims dozens turned away from services take their own life

A protest is set to take place over the Department of Health’s failure to investigate claims that dozens of people are dying by suicide every year after being turned away by doctors or sent home early from life-saving services.

Families who have lost relatives to suicide will organise the march next Saturday after minister of state with responsibility for mental health, Kathleen Lynch, claimed there is “no evidence” that a review of the situation is needed.

Responding to recent claims by the Psychiatric Nurses Association in Thursday’s Irish Examiner, Ms Lynch said that, after speaking with the HSE over the “concerns”, she believes there is no proof that people are dying because of the serious service flaws.

However, her stance has sparked outrage among medical experts and families who have lost loved ones in this way, and they are now attempting to force the Department of Health to re-examine the situation.

“The minister isn’t sitting where I have been for the past week. She’s not the one having to live with this issue on a daily basis,” said Anne Dunne, one of the organisers of the protest, which will start at 2pm and travel from the Garden of Remembrance to Leinster House.

Last Thursday Ms Dunne’s 23-year-old son Shane, who has a history of mental health issues, finally received a bed at James Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, Dublin, a week after being turned away despite serious concern he was suicidal.

Finglas-based Ms Dunne said that doctors at the facility said that while beds were officially available, patients could not be admitted to them due to nurse shortages.

“This protest is not against the hospital or the staff, who are doing great work,” said Ms Dunne. “It’s not even about Shane. It’s about the system and how it is letting down so many people. I’m only one of hundreds of parents who are telling the same stories.”

Ms Dunne said she is aware of another woman whose brother was told last year a doctor could not see him immediately for mental health issues.

He subsequently died by suicide. Three months later, an appointment letter arrived saying a doctor was now able to meet him to discuss his mental health concerns.

“There has to be a review of what is happening, because the evidence is there for anyone who looks,” said Ms Dunne. “People are dying every day.

“The minister needs to go to a psychiatric hospital, a unit in a hospital, and ask the staff working there. She needs to go in and count how many people are being turned away.”

The April 26 protest has been organised in part by the Andy Morgan Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness.

Mr Morgan, a 39-year-old plumber and father of three, died by suicide on New Year’s Eve, 2010.

The PNA has specifically called for the Department of Health to open a review into claims that people are losing their lives after being turned away from service, after it said 14 people have died in this way over the past 18 months in the Carlow-Kilkenny-South Tipperary area.

* Console:

1800 201 890

* 1Life suicide prevention help line (manned 24/7 by medical experts):

1800 247 100

* HSE suicide prevention help line:

1800 742 745