Settlement over death by suicide after hospital discharge

The widow of a man who died by suicide the day after he was discharged from a mental health unit of a Dublin hospital has called for an overhaul of mental health services.

Caroline Kane was speaking after she settled a High Court action against the HSE and St Vincent's Healthcare Group.

The court heard that 39-year-old Gareth Kane died by suicide on 9 October 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The father of three from Dundrum in Dublin was a well-known musician who was a bass player for musician and songwriter David Keenan.

Senior Counsel Jeremy Maher told the court that alleged failings in care caused the death of Mr Kane, who was found dead at home the day after he was discharged from St Vincent's University Hospital.

Mr Maher said the death of Mr Kane should never have occurred.

The court heard he had been in hospital on 1 September 2020 and discharged some days later.

He had telephone consultations and was re-admitted on 30 September 2020 to the Elm Mount unit where he stayed until he was discharged on 8 October 2020.

It was claimed that Mr Kane had been inappropriately discharged both times and there was a failure to provide an adequate treatment plan or keep him in hospital until his depression had been treated.

The claims were denied and the settlement was reached after mediation without admission of liability.

Afterwards, Caroline Kane said her husband had a depressive episode during the Covid-19 pandemic and added that he wanted to get better.

"We need to overhaul the mental health services in this country.

"I feel 100% let down.

"The worst part for me is my kids are left without their father," she said, adding that the Government "has to see there needs to be an overhaul of the mental health services in this country".

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised, please visit rte.ie/helplines.