Family says 'suicide risk' son let down by HSE

The family of a 35-year-old man who died in Kells last summer following years of depression have accused the Health Service Executive (HSE) of "letting him down" as he struggled to get treatment for his condition. David McConnell, an unemployed plasterer from Bellair, Moynalty, died in his Kells flat on 29th June 2011. At an inquest into his death last Thursday, conducted by Meath County Coroner John Lacy at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, a verdict that he had died by his own hand was returned. His sisters, Glena and Regina, on behalf of David's mother Eileen and brother Darren, voiced the family's view that David had been "let down" by the HSE in his attempts to get help. They were particularly upset that, on one occasion when he cut his wrists and was sent from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda to the psychiatric unit in Navan Hospital to be assessed, the authorities there discharged him. The HSE this week extended its deepest sympathies to David's family and have asked them to make contact with the service if they require assistance. In a statement on the case this week, the HSE said: "The HSE extends its deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased on their tragic loss. We would ask the family to make direct contact with the service at this time if they require assistance. "While the HSE cannot comment on individual patients in the public domain, the relevant health team are available to discuss, directly with the family, any concerns they may have regarding the care their family member received."