Northern Ireland

PSNI investigation into ‘unexpected’ death of Co Fermanagh teenager at mental health unit

18-year-old Katie Donnelly from Ederney died suddenly in September 2022 while being treated at the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital in Omagh

The PSNI is investigating the death of Katie Donnelly at the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital in Omagh in September 2022
The PSNI is investigating the death of Katie Donnelly at the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital in Omagh in September 2022. PIC: Family photo

The PSNI is investigating the circumstances around the “unexpected” death of a Co Fermanagh teenager at a mental health unit in 2022.

Katie Donnelly (18), from Ederney, died suddenly in September 2022 while being treated at the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital in Omagh.

The teenager had been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder while she had been an inpatient at the Elm ward at the hospital.

Katie’s family have submitted a complaint regarding her daughter’s care to the PSNI, who are now investigating the matter.

The Western Trust has said it and its staff would cooperate with the police investigation.

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Katie’s mum Erin Donnelly told the Irish News her daughter is still “at the forefront” of the family’s minds.

“We still live with the loss of Katie every day and she is still very much in the forefront of our minds,” Erin said.



“I confirm that I have made a complaint to the PSNI regarding the death of my daughter while she was a patient in the care of the Trust.

“Since I have done so the matter is now the subject of a criminal investigation.”

The PSNI said it had received a report last week relating to the “unexpected death” of a teenager at the mental health facility in 2022.

“On Wednesday, 4th December, police received a report relating to an unexpected death in a healthcare setting,” a PSNI spokesperson said.

“The death, of an 18-year-old woman, occurred on 14th September 2022 in the Omagh area.

“Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death are ongoing.”

A spokesperson for the Western Trust said: “The Trust and our staff will cooperate fully with the PSNI in their investigation.”