Kildare mother reacts to HSE's apology over treatment of her late daughter
The late Maxine Maguire was 25 when she died by suicide on February 7, 2017
A mother residing in County Kildare has reacted to an apology submitted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) over its treatment of her late daughter.
Kathy Maguire’s late daughter, Maxine Maguire, died by suicide on February 7, 2017, following repeated mental health crises and hospital admissions.
The late Newbridge woman was 25 years of age at the time of her death.
Since Maxine’s death, Kathy Maguire has been publicly critical of the manner in which the HSE handled her late daughter’s mental health crisis.
And today, it has been reported that the HSE has officially apologised to Maxine’s family and friends in the High Court, over what it referred to as ‘deficits in care’ which contributed to Maxine’s tragic death.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Speaking to the Leinster Leader following the HSE’s High Court appearance, Ms Maguire has given her thoughts about the organisation’s apology to her, her relatives, the late Maxine’s friends and — most notably — the late Maxine Maguire herself.
Ms Maguire said: “We came [to the High Court] earlier today to hear the apology from the HSE read out in court.
“We took this case to hold them accountable and to seek justice for our beautiful daughter, Maxine.
“This has not been an easy journey, and it has taken a huge toll on our entire family.”
Ms Maguire also took the time to remember her late daughter: “Maxine was a beautiful young woman who loved her family dearly; she had a close group of friends, many of whom are here today.
“Her goal in life was to help people; she was studying for her Master’s degree in Child, Youth and Family Studies and hoped to become a social worker.”
REQUEST TO THE MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH
She continued: “Today, we are calling on the Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler [TD], to implement Maxine’s recommendations.
“These recommendations came from the jury at her inquest and from the HSE’s own review into Maxine’s death; they have the potential to save precious lives.”
Ms Maguire also emphasised: “Maxine’s life mattered, and her death must matter too.
“Even now, she can still help others through the changes we hope to see.”
“Mental health has been the Cinderella of our health system for far too long; it must now become a priority.”
She concluded: “A piece of me died with Maxine, and now we must somehow try to piece our lives back together.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Samaritans Ireland (116 123 ) or you can visit pieta.ie (24/7 Free Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444).
In addition, you can also visit https://www.aware.ie/.