THE mother of an 11-year-old girl who died by suicide has spoken in the High Court how her daughter’s pleas for help had not been heard.
Weeks before her death, Milly Tuomey had posted on Instagram the date on which she intended to die.
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Her parents sought to access help but her mother told a judge the mental health services in this country are “woefully inadequate”.
Fiona Tuomey said: “We want her voice to be heard now. Her voice was not heard during that eight weeks she struggled.
“We can’t bring our child back but by bringing this case for her it will be a small justice for Milly and it will bring some change to the services provided.”
Ms Tuomey, from Tempelogue, Dublin, was speaking in court as her family settled for €65,000 a High Court action over her daughter’s death in January 2016, some eight weeks after the family first sought help for her mental health problems.
During that time a suicide diary was found and there was an urgent referral in December 2015 to mental health services but an appointment was only given for January 5, 2016, a day after Milly died.
The family’s counsel told the Court it was their case that there was “systemic wide series of errors” by all involved in Milly’s care between November 2015 and January 2016.
The Tuomeys had brought the case to expose the lack of reaction in Milly’s case and the tragedy that happened.
In an apology read to the court, the management of St John of God Community Services apologised for the deficits in care provided to Milly.
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It said: “She was not provided with treatment within an acceptable timeframe and we appreciate this gave rise to a missed opportunity in respect of her care.”
“We acknowledge the profound and devastating impact that Milly’s death has had on you all.”
Mrs Tuomey told the court that Milly sparkled and had an abundance of gifts.
She added: “Milly has left an enormous void in our lives.”
Noting the settlement Mr Justice Coffey said it was a most tragic and heartbreaking case and he sympathised with the Tuomey family.
Outside court Fiona Tuomey with her husband Tim and daughter Daisy said it had been seven difficult years.
You’re Not Alone
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can freephone the Samaritans 24 hours a day for confidential support at 116 123 or email [email protected].
You can also freephone the national Bereavement Support Line run by the HSE and Irish Hospice Foundation at 1800 80 70 77 (Monday-Friday 10am-1pm), and the contact information for a range of mental health supports is available at mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support.
You can also contact Pieta House on their helpline at 1800 247 247, while people can also text HELP to 51444 to reach a counsellor.
