THE death of a Donegal priest who took his own life while in hospital was ‘preventable’, a coroner has ruled.
Father Paddy O’Kane was found dead in the garden of Waterside Hospital in Derry on March 28, 2022.
Fr O’Kane, who was 73 and was originally from Culdaff, was being treated at the hospital for a ‘long-standing history’ of depression at the time of his death.
The inquest into his death found that the priest had died by hanging after using a piece of rope in the garden and a USB cable to create a ligature. He used a chair in the garden to tie the ligature to a drain pipe.
The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust), which manages Waterside Hospital, had previously admitted during the inquest that the garden area had not been included in a health and safety assessment, describing this as a ‘serious and grave error’.
Outlining her inquest findings at Belfast’s Laganside court on Thursday, coroner Maria Dougan said that on the ‘balance of probability’ Fr O’Kane’s death was ‘preventable’.
“In particular, the absence of a comprehensive ligature risk assessment in respect of Ward 1 and the associated garden area, together with the failure to remove or mitigate identifiable environmental risks created the circumstances in which the deceased was able to act,” said the coroner.
“The evidence discloses a series of failures at directorate, sub directorate and individual level in the assessment and management of ligature risks within a mental health setting.”
Ms Dougan said she was satisfied the diagnosis and treatment provided to Fr O’Kane after his admission to Waterside Hospital were ‘in general terms appropriate’ and in accordance with accepted clinical practice.
However, she added there were a ‘number of missed opportunities’ in his care and treatment, including a specific ligature risk assessment for Fr O’Kane in light of previous suicide attempts using ligatures.
The inquest was told the Western Trust carried out a Serious Adverse Incident investigation after Fr O’Kane’s death and this identified 14 recommendations which have now been implemented by the health body.
Ms Dougan added: “I conclude that the death occurred in the context of a vulnerable individual suffering from severe mental illness but also against a background of identifiable and avoidable environmental risks, which were not adequately assessed or managed.
“I am satisfied those failures more than minimally contributed to the circumstances in which the deceased was able to take his own life.”
The coroner said the inquest also served to highlight the particular challenges which may arise for those in religious life.
“Individuals who dedicate themselves to the care and support of others: who do so quietly experiencing their own difficulties, including those relating to mental health.
“The evidence underscores the importance of ensuring that such individuals are provided with appropriate understanding, pastoral care and timely professional support.
“In that context consideration should be given by the relevant religious authorities to support structures available to those in religious life following discharge from hospital after treatment for mental illness.
“It is further appropriate to recognise the potential vulnerabilities associated with advancing age and transition towards retirement, including the risk of loneliness and isolation for those who may not have the support of immediate family.”
Ms Dougan said Fr O’Kane, who was parish priest at the Ballymagroarty parish in Derry at the time of his death and had also been based in Moville for a couple of years, was described as someone who ‘brought joy to those around him’, whether through storytelling, music, art or his presence more generally.
“He was generous in spirit and consistently available to support others, often assuming their burdens as his own.
“In later life, this appears to have become increasingly difficult for him to sustain.
“The depth of feeling expressed by his family and friends is a testament to the positive and enduring impact he had on all of those who knew him.
“Within his family, he was a central and unifying figure, someone who maintained close bonds and who would have been present to mark significant life events.
“His death has left a profound and irreplaceable loss, both within his family circle and the wider community with which he gave such devoted service.”
She added: “Father Paddy’s life was one characterised by service, generosity and human connection. He will be remembered with deep affection by those whose lives he touched.”