Bernard Gloster, the CEO of Health Service Executive, has confirmed the ongoing life risk at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) subsequent to the untimely demise of 16-year-old Aoife Johnston in December 2022 due to delayed treatment.
An inquiry into the tragic loss of Ms Johnston pointed out a lack of awareness regarding her risk of sepsis among the doctors and nurses at the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E). Overcrowding resulted in her being diverted to an inappropriate section of A&E where sepsis forms were not maintained or completed.
The investigation, overseen by ex-chief justice Frank Clarke, further revealed what he termed as serious discrepancies in the evidence given concerning patient flow measures to ease overcrowding and their failure on the night of the Ms Johnston’s admission. This led to even greater overcrowding than necessary.
The report confirms that Ms Johnston’s unfortunate demise occurred in circumstances that were almost certainly preventable based on the medical facts presented.
Asked if UHL’s A&E was safer currently, Mr Gloster’s response on RTÉ Radio 1′s This Week programme was that every part of the health service is safer, but also acknowledged the potential risk of recurrence highlighted by Mr Justice Clarke. Mr Gloster suggests that the risk is being managed and increasingly so, but he has concerns about the operation of the A&E department within the overall hospital system, following Frank Clarke’s report and findings of his support team visit to the hospital in May.
He also disclosed that operational modifications within the hospital are to be introduced from the commencement of the following week, September 30th.
Mr Gloster has disclosed that four individuals are currently on administrative leave from their specific roles, with an additional two under disciplinary investigation, totalling six individuals.
In the present situation, he stated that it is suitable for individuals to face significant impacts in their roles even before any conclusions are drawn against them.
Upon finalising all disciplinary procedures, he can verify if there are any allegations against them. However, he cannot reveal their identities. Mr Gloster added that disciplinary proceedings could be time-consuming and multifaceted, varying for each person.
Damien Tansey, the solicitor representing the Johnston family, alleged on RTÉ’s Drivetime programme that they were led to believe by Mr Gloster that Mr Justice Clarke might make adverse findings. Mr Gloster promptly corrected this misunderstanding and stated that it was not his motive to convey this thought.
As per Mr Tansey’s statements on RTÉ, the Johnston family demands a more extensive statutory inquiry that could delve deeper and possibly reach adverse or factual conclusions. Mr Gloster showed his agreement, assuming it would be required.
A plan of action for Mr Justice Clarke’s 17 suggestions was confirmed by Mr Gloster.