Family of man who died by suicide seek changes to hospital admissions for people seeking mental health supports
Adam Loughnane ended his life in the River Corrib shortly after he presented himself to medical staff at University Hospital Galway on February 11.
The family of a man who died by suicide shortly after walking out of a Galway hospital has set up a petition calling for changes to hospital admissions so people seeking mental health supports should not have to go to accident and emergency (A&E).
Adam Loughnane, aged 34 years, ended his life in the River Corrib shortly after he presented himself to medical staff at University Hospital Galway on February 11.
His body was recovered by the emergency services a short time later. Mr Loughnane’s family has now set up an online petition, which has gained nearly 10,000 signatures, calling for changes to how patients are admitted. These include:
- A separate general admission unit for those experiencing a mental health emergency;
- Mental health records of someone presenting as suicidal should be immediately referenced, while also seeking to secure and monitor them.
The online petition is called “Adam’s Protocols — Someone presenting as suicidal shouldn’t have to go through A&E”.
Writing online, Adam's brother Joe Loughnane said: “This isn't any one staff member's fault. I've lost my brother to a system which is under-staffed, under-paid, and overworked.
“We refuse to let his passing be in vain. No family should ever have to experience what we are currently living through.
The petition is expected to be handed into minister for health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and minister of state with responsibility for mental health Mary Butler when all the signatures are collected.
Adam Loughnane previously told the his brother “was in a bad place and sought help from Cope before going to the hospital".
“He was seen by a triage nurse, and they had told him they need to get a mental health liaison officer.
“He was asked to wait. He walked around 10 minutes away and drowned himself. I want to know how that happened. Why was he left alone?”
The hospital has confirmed to the a review is under way.
