Ann says no family should be left wondering if a different hospital - or a different night - might have changed everything.
A Kildare woman says emergency mental health care in Ireland can feel like “a lottery” - after her husband died by suicide just days after attending A&E.
Ann from Eadestown attended Beaumont Hospital with her husband Damien on Halloween night 2022 as his mental health deteriorated.
She says he was not seen by a doctor or psychiatrist and was discharged with medication.
Three days later, he died by suicide.
Months on, their 17-year-old son also fell into crisis.
Ann brought him to Naas General Hospital.
This time, she says, the response was immediate.
He received a full assessment, overnight admission, and specialist follow-up linked to Lakeview Unit.
Three years later, her son is recovering.
Ann says no family should be left wondering if a different hospital - or a different night - might have changed everything.
HELPLINES:
Pieta House 1800 247 247 or text 'HELP' to 51444
Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Aware 1800 80 48 48
Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)
Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)
You can listen to the full interview from this morning's Kildare Today here, which includes a discussion with Patricia Devlin from The Journal Investigates:
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