MEMBERS of the family of a man who took his own life after being discharged from a psychiatric hospital are claiming damages from the North Western Health Board, the High Court was told yesterday.
Mr Eamonn Healy (57), a farmer, of Broher, Ballinafad, Co Sligo, took his life on December 17th, 1990, four days after being discharged from St Columba's Hospital, Sligo. He was found drowned in the local river. He had been admitted on December 4th, 1990, suffering from depression.
The action has been taken by Ms Bridget Healy, a daughter of the deceased man.
It is claimed Mr Healy's death was caused by the negligence and breach of duty of the defendants, their servants or agents. The health board denies the claims and pleads that the death of Mr Healy was by his own act in circumstances in which no liability or responsibility attached to the board.