Fiona Tuomey, speaking on behalf of her family, described their heartbreaking struggle to obtain timely and appropriate mental health care for their beloved daughter, Milly. Despite reaching out for help in November 2015, their pleas were met with an unacceptable delay, resulting in an appointment that came too late, a day after Milly had taken her own life.
An urgent referral was made to mental health services in December 2015, but the family’s hopes were dashed when they were given an appointment for January 5th, 2016—a cruel twist of fate, as Milly passed away on January 4th. Adding to their anguish, the Tuomeys were dismayed to learn that Milly had kept a suicide diary, revealing the depths of her despair and the urgency of their situation.
Milly’s case exposed severe systemic failures in the mental health system, prompting her family to initiate legal action against the HSE and other healthcare providers. The settlement reached in court was not merely about monetary compensation but a desperate plea for accountability and change.
Fiona Tuomey’s voice trembled with emotion as she expressed her family’s pain and the profound void left by Milly’s absence. Their hope now lies in ensuring that other families do not have to endure similar tragedies. They urge policymakers to prioritize mental health, provide adequate funding, and implement effective strategies to address the critical gaps in the system.
The Tuomeys’ unwavering determination to honor Milly’s memory has ignited a beacon of hope, reminding us of the urgent need to strengthen our mental health services and prevent future heartbreak.
