Suicide by 14 patients sparks probe of HSE care

The Inspectorate for Mental Health Services is carrying out a review after it was revealed that 14 people have died by suicide in the past 18 months while under the care of the HSE in Carlow, Kilkenny, and South Tipperary.

The move comes after Des Kavanagh, the general secretary of the Psychiatric Nurses’ Association, highlighted the level of suicide among psychiatric patients under the care of the HSE.

He said nurses in several services are raising concerns, and in one service, Carlow, Kilkenny, and South Tipperary, 14 people have died by suicide in the past 18 months, three in-patients, six following discharge, and the remainder who had some involvement with the mental health services.