HSE denies ignoring warnings before teen death

The Health Service Executive (HSE) today insisted it acted on warnings from a TD over the welfare of a troubled 14-year-old girl who died after inhaling aerosols.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) today insisted it acted on warnings from local TD John Deasy over the welfare of a troubled 14-year-old girl who died after inhaling aerosols.

Michelle Bray, from Dungarvan, Co Waterford, died on Sunday evening a short distance from her home after sniffing deodorant.

Deasy said he had written to the HSE and warned of the urgent need to put the teenager in care because she was a risk to herself and others.

He also insisted the HSE never responded to him.

But Dermot Halpin, the HSE’s local health manager for the Waterford Community Services Area, said they did act on the warnings from Mr Deasy.

“At no time was residential care as an option ruled out,” Mr Halpin said.

However, he said the circumstances of the case were being reviewed.

Michelle had been in trouble over the last three years and came to the attention of gardaí, and in 2004 a decision was made to find her a residential care place for her own safety. She was never taken in.

The HSE said in 2005 matters settled down considerably and a decision was then taken to keep Michelle with her family.

“The HSE looks at each individual circumstance, aims to provide support for the individuals involved and ensures our child care services deliver the most appropriate care and support deemed necessary at the time,” Mr Halpin said.

“In line with the normal arrangements following such tragic events the HSE will be urgently reviewing the circumstances of this case.”

It is understood a full inquiry is being set up.

The 14-year-old died at the weekend after collapsing near her home in the Childers Estate in Dungarvan, despite efforts by onlookers and emergency services to revive her. She had been sniffing aerosols.

She was buried yesterday in Dungarvan after her funeral Mass at St Mary’s Church.