Doctors face probe over mother-daughter deaths

Doctors who treated a depressive mother who killed her daughter before taking her own life are being investigated, the General Medical Council (GMC) said today.

Madeline O’Neill was found dead alongside her nine-year-old daughter Lauren in their home in Carryduffy in the North.

A report into her mental healthcare at hospitals in Belfast and Derry, where she was originally from, found that correct procedures had not been followed.

It revealed that Mrs O’Neill had informed healthcare professionals of suicidal thoughts and her intention to kill her daughter as well.

However, this information was not passed on to her GP or her estranged husband.

John O’Neill has said he believes his daughter’s death could have been prevented if the proper guidelines were adhered to.

Mrs O’Neill left Gransha Hospital in Derry two weeks before her death in July 2005.

She had also been treated at Knockbracken Mental Health Centre in south Belfast.

The independent report into the care provided by the Western and Eastern’s health boards has been passed to the GMC.

The council said it was now assessing whether the individuals involved should face a hearing.

“We can confirm we have received the report and we are currently looking at what action, if any, may be necessary,” a GMC spokeswoman said.

An inquest into the two deaths, which was due to take place next month, has been postponed pending the outcome of the GMC inquiry.