Courts / Roscommon / Report

Mental health services in Roscommon are "in a state of crisis", judge says

Date
2015-11-27

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Roscommon

Summary

A High Court judge has dismissed an action by senior HSE executive Helen Earley challenging her temporary reassignment during investigations into mental health services in County Roscommon. Mr Justice Tony O'Connor ruled that the HSE was entitled to temporarily redeploy Ms Earley, Area Director of Nursing for the Galway/Roscommon Mental Health Service, while reviews were conducted into allegations of sexual abuse and alleged failures of reporting at HSE mental health facilities in the county. Ms Earley had sought to remain in her position, fearing reputational damage. The judge found no evidence of bad faith or conspiracy and rejected her claim that the transfer was motivated by union concerns. However, Mr Justice O'Connor stated that mental health services in Roscommon are "in a crisis situation," citing reports of poor governance, significant relationship difficulties, and dysfunctional provision of care. He was critical of Ms Earley's conduct following notification of the reassignment, describing her as overly focused on asserting her rights while neglecting her responsibility for good governance during a time of serious service concerns.