Wife gets apology over ‘dead’ husband

A WOMAN who got a letter from the HSE as part of a response to a Freedom of Information request stating that her husband was dead has received an apology from the Clare Mental Health Service over its failure to properly deal with a complaint over her dissatisfaction with his treatment.

The apology was made to mother of four Dolores Keogh from Castlecrine in Sixmilebridge, whose husband was admitted as a voluntary patient to the Acute Psychiatric Unit of Ennis Hospital in February 2009.

Ms Keogh said she was shocked and upset at receiving a “shameful” letter as part of the release of medical records under the FOI act, which incorrectly stated her husband, John Keogh, who was 59 when he was admitted for treatment, was dead.

The two issues came to light this week following the release of a report by the Office of the Ombudsman, which stated a local manager couldn’t find any record to indicate whether or not the complaint was ever referred to a senior medic and acknowledged that in all probability it was not done.

Mr Keogh was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2002 and is still receiving treatment for dementia.

The HSE letter, which caused great upset for Mrs Keogh, was sent on December 21 last and referenced “Mr John Keogh, RIP”.