Elderly couple placed in separate hospitals

Age Action Ireland believes that the State could be in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights, in the case of an elderly couple who were placed in hospitals almost 50km apart.

It is understood that they were separated due to a shortage of available beds.

The HSE has said that it does not comment on individual cases, but states that in general, it tries to ensure couples in this situation can remain together.

Niall Hunter of Irishhealth.com, who published the story, said the couple had been unable to see each other until neighbours intervened to organise a visit.