A lawsuit has been filed in the High Court by a nurse, who alleges that an altercation at her place of employment resulted in her experiencing “broken heart syndrome,” otherwise known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Anna McCann has taken legal action against the Health Service Executive (HSE), her previous employer, claiming that she was threatened with disciplinary action for refusing to share her password to access documents.
McCann, a 68-year-old resident of Portlaoise, argues that she was also coerced into early retirement just nine months after the altercation that took place in a Bray, Co Wicklow clinic, where she assisted clients battling addiction. The incident in question occurred during the amalgamation of two HSE services, revealed the court. The HSE intended to decommission one automated system and required access to the Bray office system to copy client nursing files and notes.
Contrary to McCann’s allegations, the HSE has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that there was a request for system access that was rejected, leading to the withdrawal of the HSE officer. They insist that any distress was caused by Ms McCann.
The court heard from McCann’s lawyer, Andrew Sexton SC, arguing that this temporary cardiac condition can result from sudden stress. Sexton noted that HSE policy explicitly states that passwords should not be shared, meaning McCann was merely following the rules of her employment. He stated that the debacle had caused McCann’s life to transform dramatically from a peaceful occupation.
According to the testimony provided by McCann, she was taken by surprise when the HSE offer demanded her system password. When McCann refused to comply, stating it was against regulations, the officer responded by threatening to report her to nurse management.
Expressing her disquiet, Ms McCann stated that she was under immense strain, with a severe headache. She informed the HSE official to vacate her quarters, due to her experiencing discomfort in her chest.
[External agency staff cost HSE €4.2bn since 2013]
Upon contacting a nursing supervisor concerning the purported episode, she was questioned about not providing the password.
“I was startled by what I was told,” she expressed. She made her journey back to Portlaoise and sought immediate medical care at her local hospital due to the chest pain she experienced, she recounted.
While being questioned by HSE’s lead legal representative, Michael Tuite, Ms McCann unequivocally denied being the initiator of the contention. She refuted claims of her being antagonistic from the outset.
The proceedings are still ongoing.