Man in HSE home died when no staff were available, inquest hears

A man living in accommodation supported by the Health Service Executive (HSE) died on a weekend when no staff were available, an inquest has heard.

John O'Hanrahan (37) of Castlecurragh Vale, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, died on Sunday, February 8th, 2015.

His family were notified of his death the following day by the man’s psychiatrist, Dublin Coroner’s Court heard.

Mr O’Hanrahan had suffered a period of instability in early January 2014, when he stopped taking his medication, the court heard.

However, he was doing well at the house and was described as being in good form prior to his death.

Mr Hanrahan had gone to his mother's house on the Saturday, his father, Noel O'Hanrahan, told Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane.

He returned to the HSE-supported house on Saturday night.

The inquest heard he had a number of medications in his system at the time of his death, including xanax, valium and the anti-psychotic drug clozapine.

Postmortem

A postmortem report found he died due to the combined depressive effects on the central nervous system of these drugs, pathologist Dr Eamon Leen said.

A toxicology report showed he also had zopiclone, a sleeping pill and morphine in his system at the time of his death.

Returning a verdict of death by misadventure, the coroner offered her condolences to the family.

“Clearly he had difficulties, but he was very well-loved and supported and he was getting some stability back into his life,” Dr Cullinane said.