Patient dies after assault in hospital

Gardaí in Cork are continuing to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding the death of Matthew Healy, who died over the weekend following an incident in Mercy University Hospital.

The incident happened in one of the wards in the city hospital shortly after 5.30am yesterday, Sunday.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said: A post-mortem examination was conducted (on Sunday) afternoon by Dr Bolster, Office of the State Pathologist, at Cork University Hospital. Details are not being released for operational reasons.”

Mr Healy, a farmer in his late 80s from Berrings, is believed to have been assaulted with a zimmer frame.

A man in his 30s who was arrested at the scene is still being detained at Bridewell Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

A senior investigating officer has been appointed and a garda family liaison officer continues to liaise with the family of the deceased.

The scene remains preserved for forensic and technical examination by the Cork City Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.

This morning the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has called for a full security audit of all hospitals.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families at the centre of yesterday morning’s tragic incident in Mercy University Hospital.

“In light of this awful incident, the INMO is once again repeating our call for a full review and audit of security systems and protocols in Irish hospitals. We haven’t had a security audit of our hospitals since 2016, it is time now for the HSE to complete a full audit of what measures are in place in each hospital.”