HSE names inquiry team for examination of patient's death

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has named the inquiry team and published its terms of reference for examining the circumstances surrounding the death of an elderly patient at a hospital for people with mental health problems.

A HSE South spokeswoman said the investigation team appointed to investigate the circumstances of the death of Hannah Comber (75) at Heatherside Hospital, Doneraile , North Cork will have full access to all files, records and expertise as required.

Ms Comber, Ballylopin, Charleville died from asphyxiation after she became entangled in a strap on a specialised therapeutic chair at the hospital on June 22nd but no mention that Ms Comber was caught in the strap was made by staff when they informed gardaí of her death.

It was only when Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster carried out a post-mortem and concluded that Ms Comber had died from asphyxiation that a fuller picture emerged and the matter is now the subject of both a Garda inquiry and a HSE South inquiry.

The HSE inquiry team will comprise Tom O'Dwyer, former programme manager and deputy CEO of the Southern Health Board, Dr Catriona Crowe, consultant in Old Age Psychiatry, South Tipperary Mental Health Service and PJ Lawlor, director of nursing, Laois/Offaly Mental Health Service.

Meanwhile, The Irish Times has learned from informed sources that Ms Comber was discovered in an unconscious state at around 5am on 22nd June but that attempts by staff to resuscitate her failed.

It is understood the Garda inquiry will examine whether a member of staff on duty that night may have fallen asleep when Ms Comber slipped in her chair and her neck became caught in the strap, causing her to asphyxiate.