Nearly four months after the death of 34-year-old Adam Loughnane, his family is calling for urgent reform in how mental health emergencies are treated. A rally is planned for 2pm on Saturday, June 7, outside University Hospital Galway, where Adam had sought help before his death.
On February 11, Adam presented as suicidal at the hospital’s Emergency Department. According to his brother, Joe Loughnane, he was left unmonitored for several hours before leaving the hospital. His body was later recovered from the River Corrib.
“Adam did everything right but was failed at his most vulnerable,” said Joe. “We are demanding a separate admission pathway for those in mental health crisis.”
The family’s petition, now with over 18,000 signatures, is backed by numerous families who have shared similar experiences. Despite public pressure, HSE West and Northwest Regional Executive Officer Tony Canavan recently stated there are no plans for a dedicated Mental Health A&E.
This stance contradicts a recent Mental Health Commission report highlighting serious gaps in emergency mental health care, particularly out of hours. Dr Lorcan Martin, President of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, said EDs need quiet, purpose-built spaces staffed by mental health professionals. “Somewhere just curtained off in ED is not sufficient,” he said.
The UK’s NHS has committed to opening 24/7 Mental Health A&Es across England. Adam’s family hopes Saturday’s rally will push Irish leaders to follow suit.
