Coroner calls for hospitals to notify next of kin about patients who attempt or consider suicide [Video]

A CORONER HAS called for the next of kin of patients who have attempted suicide or expressed suicidal ideation to be notified by hospitals about their condition at the time of their discharge from emergency departments.

Meath county coroner, Nathaniel Lacy, made the recommendation following the death of an elderly Meath man who drowned in a lake near his home shortly after being discharged from hospital after an episode of self-harm and telling doctors he wanted to die.

The body of Patrick Mooney (78) of Normanstown, Carlanstown, Kells, Co Meath was found in Whitewood Lake near Kilmainhamwood, Co Meath on 25 October, 2017.

Mr Mooney’s family have called for improved mental health services for older people based on the circumstances of his death.

The deceased’s daughter, Cathríona Molloy, welcomed a series of recommendations by the coroner but claimed mental health of the elderly is “neglected.”

“It should be taken more …