Family of Limerick woman who attempted to take her own life settles case against hospital

The High Court heard it was a sad case where the woman, who had two children, had significant difficulties of a psychiatric nature

Melissa O’Brien, the court heard, was found unconscious in a “makeshift toilet”, which was a temporary toilet unit set up during redevelopment works 11 years ago at what was then called Midwestern Regional Hospital, Limerick, and is now known as University Hospital, Limerick. Picture: Dan Linehan

The family of a 28-year-old hairdresser who attempted to take her own life after she was admitted to a Limerick hospital and later died has settled a High Court action for €650,000.

Melissa O’Brien, the court heard, was found unconscious in a “makeshift toilet”, which was a temporary toilet unit set up during redevelopment works 11 years ago at what was then called Midwestern Regional Hospital, Limerick, and is now known as University Hospital, Limerick.

Counsel John O’Mahony told the High Court it was a sad case where Ms O’Brien, who had two children, had significant difficulties of a psychiatric nature.

She had been admitted to the hospital first in February 2012 and later discharged and re-admitted again to the hospital.

Counsel said on March 5, 2012, the mother-of-two was found in an unconscious state near a toilet door of a “makeshift toilet” at the hospital.

Counsel said Ms O’Brien was transferred to the hospital ICU and she later died on March 29, 2012.

Ms O’Brien’s mother, Jacqueline Quinn, Watergate Flats, Limerick, had sued the HSE over the death of her daughter, hairdresser, Melissa O’Brien of Peters St, Limerick. The proceedings were also brought by Ms O’Brien’s daughter Emily Quirke, 13.

Liability is admitted in the case.

On February 15, 2012, Ms O’Brien was admitted as a patient to the acute psychiatric unit at the Midwestern Regional Hospital, Limerick. Two days later, it was claimed, she was discharged but was re-admitted back into the hospital due to ongoing concerns about her mental health.

On March 5, 2012, Ms O’Brien was found in an unconscious state near the door of a temporary toilet located at the hospital unit.

She was admitted to the intensive care unit after being diagnosed with a brain injury secondary to cardiac arrest following attempted suicide. She died on March 29, 2012.

Family's allegations

It was claimed there was a failure to properly monitor or supervise Ms O’Brien and a failure to properly assess the suicide risk. It was further claimed the temporary toilets were allowed to be located at an alleged unsafe distance from the high observation ward.

It was also alleged there was a failure to take any appropriate remedial or preventative action in respect of alleged ligature points in the temporary toilets.

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey extended his deepest sympathy to Ms O’Brien’s family on what he called a very tragic case.