Case No. 2438Negligence (civil – death in hospital, suicide) · Co. Galway · 14 Jul 2020
Family settles High Court case over death of nurse by suicide in UHG mental health unit
The family of Tara Coyne, a 25-year-old nurse who died by suicide in the mental health unit of University Hospital Galway on 14 July 2020, settled a High Court action against the HSE for the distribution of a €35,000 statutory mental distress payment. The HSE admitted a breach of duty and causation, and UHG apologised for failing to take remedial action regarding en suite doors in a timely fashion.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court30 Jan
- Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports15 statements extracted from the articles
- whatTara Coyne was a 25-year-old nurse who died by suicide in the mental health unit of UHG. (irishtimes.com)
- whatTara Coyne was voluntarily admitted to the mental health unit. (irishtimes.com)
- whatTara Coyne died six hours after being admitted. (irishtimes.com)
- whatTara Coyne had been working in the UK. (irishtimes.com)
- whatTara Coyne had been suffering from anxiety and depression. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe hospital acknowledged failing to take remedial action regarding en suite doors in a more timely fashion. (irishtimes.com)
- whatTara Coyne was placed on medium-frequency observation in the mental health unit. (irishtimes.com)
- whatAn ambulance was not called until 9pm. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe distance to the resuscitation unit was only a two-minute drive. (irishtimes.com)
- whatTara had admitted herself after an urgent recommendation from the community suicide crisis assessment nurse. (irishtimes.com)
- whenTara Coyne died on 14 July 2020. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe family settled a High Court action against the HSE for the distribution of a €35,000 statutory mental distress payment. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe HSE admitted a breach of duty and causation in the case. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMr Justice Paul Coffey said it was a heartbreaking case and extended his deepest sympathy to the family. (irishtimes.com)
- otherUHG and the Saolta Group apologised to the Coyne family. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 30 Jan2025Family settles High Court case over death of nurse by suicide in UHG mental health unit
Reports the settlement of the High Court case, the HSE's admission of breach of duty and causation, UHG's apology, and the family's statements questioning the timeline of care and the delay in obtaining the hospital report.
victim, Tara Coyne, 25, female, irish (judged from name)Tara Coynevictim, female, irish (judged from name)victim, Lisa Coyne, female, irish (judged from name)Lisa Coyne