Wife of man who died by suicide after being discharged from hospital settles High Court action

High Court Reporters

A woman who lost her husband to suicide the day after he was discharged from a mental health unit at St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, has called for an overhaul of mental health services.

Caroline Kane’s husband, musician Gareth Kane (39) took his own life on October 9th 2020, during the Covid pandemic.

Kane spoke out as she settled a High Court action against the HSE and St Vincent’s Healthcare Group over the death of her husband.

The settlement is without an admission of liability.

Father of three Gareth (Gar) Kane, from Dundrum, Dublin, was a well-known musician who, before he died, was a bass player for musician and songwriter David Keenan.

In the High Court on Wednesday, Counsel for the Kane family, Jeremy Maher SC, with William Reidy BL instructed by Cian O Carroll solicitors, told the court that it was their case that alleged failings in care caused the death of Kane, who he said was an exceptionally talented musician.

Kane, he said at been discharged from St Vincent’s University Hospital on October 8th 2020, and was found dead at home the next day.

Counsel said the focus of the case was that the death of Mr Kane should never have occurred.

The settlement with the HSE and St Vincent’s Healthcare Group, which is without an admission of liability, was reached after mediation.

Outside the court, Caroline Kane said her husband had a depressive episode during the Covid pandemic and wanted to get better.

“We need to overhaul the mental health services in this country. I feel 100 per cent let down. The worst part for me is my kids are left without their father, ’ she said.

She added: ”The government has to see there needs to be an overhaul of the mental health services in this country. “

Caroline Kane of Dundrum, Dublin had sued the HSE and St Vincent’s Healthcare Group of Elm Park, Dublin over the death of her husband.

Kane, it was claimed, had been transferred to the Elm Mount unit at St Vincent’s University Hospital on September 1, 2020 and discharged some days later.

He had a telephone consultation later, and on September 30th 2020, he was again admitted to the Elm Mount unit where he stayed until he was discharged on October 8th 2020.

In the proceedings it was claimed that Kane had allegedly been inappropriately discharged from the hospital unit care on September 4, 2020 and also on October 8th 2020.

It was claimed there was an alleged failure to provide any adequate safety plan following the September discharge.

It was further claimed that there was an alleged failure to provide any appropriate care or treatment plan on discharge on October 8th 2020.

It was also contended that the care of Mr Kane had allegedly caused to fall below the appropriate standard of care.

There was it was contended an alleged failure to retain Mr Kane as an inpatient until such time as his depression had been treated.

All of the claims were denied.

Noting the settlement and approving the division of the statutory mental distress payment of €35,000, Judge Paul Coffey conveyed his deepest sympathy to Caroline Kane and the wider family.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can freephone the Samaritans 24 hours a day for confidential support at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

Alternatively, the contact information for a range of mental health supports is available at mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support.

In the case of an emergency, or if you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or self-harm, dial 999/112.