An alleged 3-1/2-hour delay in calling an ambulance to a Dublin nursing home after an elderly man had fallen was questioned by his family during an inquest at Dublin City Coroner's Court yesterday.
The inquest into the death of Robert McNally (77), of Rose Glen Avenue, Raheny, was adjourned to May 30th to allow the management of St Gabriel's Nursing Home, Edenmore, Raheny, to give evidence.
Ms Rita Browne, a care assistant, said that Mr McNally fell at about 11.30 p.m. on July 29th, 2000. He was treated by a nurse, but it was only at 3.15 a.m. on July 30th that he was transferred by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital, where he died of head injuries on August 1st.
A Garda witness said he had been unable to interview the nursing home management because of a transfer to Border duties.