Gardaí and health authorities probe malnourished woman's death

An independent investigation by health authorities was underway tonight 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 condition, was admitted to Wexford General Hospital on New Year’s Day.

Enniscorthy gardai have also begun an investigation into the circumstances of the death after the woman was found in appalling conditions in a bedroom 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 have weighed less than four stone at the time of her death in Wexford General Hospital last Saturday, January 7.

A statement from the Health Services Executive (HSE) South Eastern area said: “Terms of reference are currently being finalised for the investigation. The team members comprise a medical consultant, former deputy health board CEO, and health care professional with an extensive background in public health nursing and community service.”

The HSE said the details for the inquiry would be released within the next 24-hours after the members of the investigation team were chosen. Health authorities said they were looking into the services available to the woman and whether she was being given the care she needed.

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

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

The county coroner requested the State Pathologist’s office carry out a post mortem exam at Waterford General Hospital. Gardai said the results of the post mortem would not be released.