Judge rules HSE was correct not to seek coercive Covid-19 vaccination of ward of court

The HSE's care plan for the elderly woman in a nursing home favours continuing an approach of positive engagement with her concerning her treatment.

The HSE told the court it is not, in the circumstances of this case, seeking orders for coercive vaccination but efforts will continue to try and persuade her to be vaccinated and the situation will be kept under review.

A High Court judge has said she is satisfied the HSE correctly decided not to seek court orders to have the Covid-19 vaccine administered to a ward of court against her wishes.

The woman, aged in her seventies with dementia and various complex psychiatric conditions, is in a nursing home where about 98% of the residents have received the vaccine.