Menu
06/05/2011
Mental Health Patient Loses Legal Challenge
A mental health patient has lost his legal challenge on resettling people with learning disabilities into the community.
His lawyers claimed the Department of Health was in breach of its duty to make relocation a matter of priority.
But a judge rejected all grounds for a judicial review, dismissing claims that the authorities had not complied with their duties under health and social care legislation.
The court also rejected claims they had not done enough to help long-term patients get resettled.
The unidentified man has been a voluntary patient at Muckamore Abbey in Antrim for the last 11 years.
The case has implications for around 200 people still being kept in learning disability hospitals throughout NI.
Mr Justice McCloskey held that the department had not breached the man’s right to privacy and right to freedom from discrimination under the European Convention on Human Rights.
He commented: "There is no suggestion that the development of their relationship has been significantly inhibited. All in all, I find that the failure of which (he) accuses the department does not interfere with his right to respect for his private life."
Outside court Law Centre spokeswoman Maura McCallion, who represented the man, confirmed she would be examining any options for further legal action.
She added: "It's important now that the new Executive renews its commitment to ensure that adults in Northern Ireland no longer have a hospital as a home address."
(JG/BMcC)
His lawyers claimed the Department of Health was in breach of its duty to make relocation a matter of priority.
But a judge rejected all grounds for a judicial review, dismissing claims that the authorities had not complied with their duties under health and social care legislation.
The court also rejected claims they had not done enough to help long-term patients get resettled.
The unidentified man has been a voluntary patient at Muckamore Abbey in Antrim for the last 11 years.
The case has implications for around 200 people still being kept in learning disability hospitals throughout NI.
Mr Justice McCloskey held that the department had not breached the man’s right to privacy and right to freedom from discrimination under the European Convention on Human Rights.
He commented: "There is no suggestion that the development of their relationship has been significantly inhibited. All in all, I find that the failure of which (he) accuses the department does not interfere with his right to respect for his private life."
Outside court Law Centre spokeswoman Maura McCallion, who represented the man, confirmed she would be examining any options for further legal action.
She added: "It's important now that the new Executive renews its commitment to ensure that adults in Northern Ireland no longer have a hospital as a home address."
(JG/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 October 2024
Health Minister Encourages Use Of My Care Patient Portal
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is urging people to sign up for the My Care patient portal, which provides access to digital medical records. The My Care portal allows patients and service users to view their healthcare information through an app or web browser on their digital devices.
Health Minister Encourages Use Of My Care Patient Portal
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is urging people to sign up for the My Care patient portal, which provides access to digital medical records. The My Care portal allows patients and service users to view their healthcare information through an app or web browser on their digital devices.
18 March 2020
Woman Arrested In Patient Abuse Probe
A 28 year-old woman has been arrested by detectives investigating allegations of ill-treatment at Muckamore Abbey Hospital. The suspect was detained in Antrim this morning, Wednesday 18 March. It comes amid allegations of patient abuse at the facility, where people with severe learning disabilities and mental health needs are cared for.
Woman Arrested In Patient Abuse Probe
A 28 year-old woman has been arrested by detectives investigating allegations of ill-treatment at Muckamore Abbey Hospital. The suspect was detained in Antrim this morning, Wednesday 18 March. It comes amid allegations of patient abuse at the facility, where people with severe learning disabilities and mental health needs are cared for.
24 November 2010
Call For More NHS Domestics
An urgent call for 200 more domestic staff in the local health service to safeguard and enhance patient safety is being made today by the trade union UNISON.
Call For More NHS Domestics
An urgent call for 200 more domestic staff in the local health service to safeguard and enhance patient safety is being made today by the trade union UNISON.
28 April 2023
Budgetary Turmoil Compromising Patient Safety – UUP
The ongoing budgetary turmoil is compromising patient safety and ultimately likely to cost patient lives, Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA has warned. He was speaking after the Department of Health received only a flat cash budget allocation.
Budgetary Turmoil Compromising Patient Safety – UUP
The ongoing budgetary turmoil is compromising patient safety and ultimately likely to cost patient lives, Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA has warned. He was speaking after the Department of Health received only a flat cash budget allocation.
26 August 2022
NI Nursing Staff To Be Balloted On Strike Action
Nursing staff in Northern Ireland are to be balloted alongside their colleagues across the UK on potential strike action. Nursing staff in Northern Ireland will join colleagues across the UK as the RCN ballots members on strike action. The ballot is being launched in response to NHS pay awards in England and Wales, and an NHS pay offer in Scotland.
NI Nursing Staff To Be Balloted On Strike Action
Nursing staff in Northern Ireland are to be balloted alongside their colleagues across the UK on potential strike action. Nursing staff in Northern Ireland will join colleagues across the UK as the RCN ballots members on strike action. The ballot is being launched in response to NHS pay awards in England and Wales, and an NHS pay offer in Scotland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
