High Court permits transfer of woman with dementia to nursing home against her wishes

The court heard a multi-disciplinary team had previously attempted to support the woman to live at home with a home care package but she could not manage to live in the community safely

In granting the orders, president of the High Court Ms Justice Mary Irvine said the situation was 'very sad', as the woman made it clear she wanted to return to living in the community. Picture: Paddy Cummins/IrishPhotoDesk.ie

Permission has been granted by the High Court for the HSE to transfer a woman with dementia from hospital to a nursing home against her wishes.

The woman, a ward of court who is in her 80s, has been in hospital for nearly three months, and there is now no medical reason for her to remain there, said Áine Hynes SC, for the HSE. There is a bed available from this week at a nursing home, she added.