The condition of a depressed woman treated at St Patrick's psychiatric hospital in Dublin was fully reviewed days before her apparent suicide, a consultant psychiatrist told the High Court yesterday.
A "more custodial" approach to Catherine Madigan's care on May 11th, 1998 was not warranted as her agitation had subsided, said Dr Matt Murphy. He was giving evidence in the continuing action for damages brought against the hospital by Ms Madigan's husband Joseph, Bridge Street, Callan, Co Kilkenny, alleging negligence in her care at St Patrick's in 1998.
It is alleged that Ms Madigan (37), a schoolteacher and mother of one, left the hospital about 2pm on May 14th, 1998 without being formally discharged. Her clothes were found at Bray Head on May 20th but her body was never recovered. A court order has been secured to the effect that she is dead.
The court heard Ms Madigan had a history of depression and had been suicidal early in 1998 before she was admitted voluntarily. Dr Aideen Moran, a consultant psychiatrist at St Patrick's, said after a number of weekends home Ms Madigan deteriorated and medical staff were concerned. "It appeared the hospital was a place of safety for her," she said.
The case continues today before Mr Justice Richard Johnson.