Authority says external review usually warranted after deaths

An external investigation by a supervisory authority is usually warranted when a death is connected to social and healthcare services, Niina Oresmaa of Finland’s Licensing and Supervisory Authority told Yle.

The comment follows the death of a man with an intellectual disability after police used a stun device at a Rinnekodit supported housing unit in Espoo. The man was injured and later died in hospital.

Rinnekodit has conducted its own review of the incident and found no shortcomings in the unit’s operations. Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said in an interview with Yle on Tuesday that an external party should investigate Rinnekodit’s actions. She also called it unusual that the provider had reviewed its own conduct and concluded that there were no problems.

“It is important that the appropriateness of the operations in such cases is investigated by every authority, as the minister has also called for,” Oresmaa said.

Oresmaa did not comment on whether the Licensing and Supervisory Authority has begun, or is considering, an investigation into the case. She said the legislation governing social and healthcare supervision requires the service provider to first assess the appropriateness of its own actions.

In supported housing services, the wellbeing services county responsible for organising the services also has duties to monitor possible shortcomings in client safety. Supervisory authorities typically investigate more serious cases in which client or patient safety may have been compromised.

Decisions on launching an external investigation are made by Oresmaa’s department. The authority typically starts investigations based on notifications from service providers or information in the public domain.

What happened in Espoo

Police used a stun device on the approximately 50 year old man at a Rinnekodit supported housing unit on Friday, August 14. He died later in hospital from injuries sustained in the incident.

Police were called to the unit on two consecutive days. On Thursday, August 13, officers were called to calm the situation after staff reported that the man was behaving aggressively. Police were called again the following day, when violent behaviour continued after the patrol arrived. Officers eventually used the stun device.

A prosecutor will launch a pretrial investigation into the incident. The case is being investigated as suspected breach of official duty and causing death by negligence.

Rinnekodit welcomes external review

Rinnekodit said it considered the external investigation proposed by Rantanen a positive opportunity. An independent review would supplement the assessment of events, the company said in a statement.

The Wellbeing Services County of West Uusimaa said it carries out regular statutory supervision of disability housing services, which are provided both directly by the county and through purchased services. The county has conducted nine supervisory visits to Rinnekodit units this year.