Ávaro Cunqueiro Hospital, belonging to the Vigo University Hospital Complex, has been at the center of a recent court ruling that has ordered Sergas, the Xunta body that manages hospitals and public health centers, to pay almost 90,000 euros for not providing the necessary means to prevent the suicide of a 31-year-old patient in January 2021.
The Contentious-Administrative Court 1 of Vigo declared the right of the deceased’s mother, son, and brother to be compensated with amounts totaling 89,000 euros. The court found that the necessary precautionary and care measures were not taken to prevent the tragic outcome, despite the patient being admitted to the psychiatric service for a mental health crisis.
The lawsuit, which was dismissed by the Department of Health in October 2022, sought compensation for damages totaling over 300,000 euros. The court ruling emphasized the importance of adhering to suicide prevention protocols and ensuring the implementation of necessary measures to safeguard patients with mental health issues.
The tragic incident has shed light on the importance of providing adequate care and support to individuals experiencing mental health crises, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance and preventive measures in healthcare settings.