Gardaí await findings after malnourished woman's death

Gardaí were today awaiting post mortem exam results into the death of a bed-ridden woman who was found in a severely malnourished state.

Evelyn Joel, who was in her late 50s and was believed to be confined to bed as a result of arthritis and another disease, was admitted to Wexford General Hospital on New Year’s Day.

It is understood the woman had been living with relatives in the Enniscorthy area before being admitted.

Enniscorthy gardaí have begun an investigation into the circumstances of the death after the woman was found in appalling conditions when an ambulance was called by a concerned third party. She was in a seriously malnourished and dehydrated state when she was admitted to hospital.

She was believed to weigh less than four stone at the time of her death in Wexford General Hospital at the weekend.

The Garda investigation is understood to be examining whether the woman, whose funeral took place in Enniscorthy yesterday, was the victim of neglect.

A spokeswoman for the Health Services Executive South Eastern Area confirmed it was examining the services available to the woman and whether she was being given the care she needed.

The county coroner requested the State Pathologist’s office carry out a post mortem at Waterford General Hospital. The results have yet to be disclosed.