Patient fatality - Report must be published

FIVE years have passed since a patient died when she was choked by a restraining belt after slipping down a chair but the public has yet to see the report conducted into the fatal incident.

It is a travesty that a report completed by an independent investigation team four years ago has yet to see the light of day.

The HSE’s commitment to conclude this case in the interests of all concerned is laudable. However, further delay seems likely as the matter is now the subject of legal scrutiny because staff at the psycho-geriatric hospital in north Cork may be disciplined.

Whatever the explanation, a delay of five years in shedding light on this tragedy is beyond reason. It is in the interest of the late patient’s family and also in the public interest that this matter be expedited.