Family of patient who went missing from MUH to give evidence at inquest

Several relatives of a man who drowned after he went missing from Mayo University Hospital (MUH) have asked to give evidence at an inquest into the cause of his death.

The family of Patrick Rowland, from Lahardane, told a preliminary hearing at Swinford Courthouse last week that they wish to be called as witnesses.

Mr Rowland, a father of three adult children, left the emergency department of MUH in the early hours of January 17, 2023, and is believed to have fallen into the Castlebar River.  His body was recovered from a stretch of the river, close to the N5 roundabout in Turlough, two days later.

The inquest heard that Mr Rowland's son Cormac had been with his father at MUH up to 12.45am on January 17.

Roger Murray, of Callan Tansey Solicitors, which is representing the family, said the family were concerned about the circumstances surrounding Mr Rowland's disappearance from the hospital and five members wished to give evidence so they can provide a coherent timeline.

Mr Murray claimed there was "confusion" in the case, adding that there are "scatty" records of Mr Rowland's time in the Accident and Emergency department.

Solicitor Ruth Finnerty, of Ronan Daly Jermyn, who is representing Mayo University Hospital and staff, suggested that hospital personnel who had no direct connection to Mr Rowland should not be called.

Coroner Patrick O'Connor agreed to Mr Murray's request that five family members could give evidence. He said general procedures of hospital policy and care are relevant in this case and suggested that Mr Murray and Ms Finnerty liaise over how many witnesses will be called.

The inquest was then adjourned until February 19, 2024.