HSE challenged over investigation into nursing home resident's death

Sage Advocacy, the group that has been providing support to Mary Bartley Meehan, whose husband died in June, has challenged a recent statement by the HSE on his death.

In a statement last week the HSE said that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) was “investigating the circumstances surrounding the care of Ultan Meehan in Kilbrew Nursing Home’’.

The HSE said it was not appropriate for the HSE to comment while the HIQA investigation is ongoing.

However Sage Advocacy says that on its website HIQA clearly states it is “unable to investigate individual complaints about a health or social care service under the Health Act 2007”.

Mervyn Taylor, the executive director of Sage Advocacy, said: “Previously Simon Harris when he was Minister for Health said HIQA has no legal role in examining individual complaints.

“We have asked the current Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, if he has now asked HIQA to undertake an investigation under relevant healthcare legislation, but to date have not received any clarification”.

“Mary Bartley Meehan is absolutely clear that there has been no direct contact with her by HIQA which would be absolutely essential in the event of a proper investigation.”

Mr Taylor said that questions also remain to be answered as to whether HIQA has proceeded to re-register Kilbrew Nursing Home (registration was August 10th) and if HIQA will provide an inspection report on Kilbrew Nursing Home.

Ultan Meehan was admitted to Connolly Hospital on 29th May last from Kilbrew Nursing Home. Doctors in the hospital found a wound he had on his face was infested with maggots. He died on sepsis on 15th June.

A spokesperson for HIQA said the application to renew registration for Kilbrew is in progress and due to be completed in the coming weeks. The current registration remains in place until that process is completed.