It would not be customary for my Department to be routinely advised of deaths which have occurred in hospitals, nor to be informed of inquiries being carried out by the Health Service Executive (HSE) into such deaths.
It is HSE policy that incidents that result in death or serious injury are investigated thoroughly using systems analysis investigation methodology. The review of the care and treatment of the named person (RIP) is being carried out in accordance with this policy.
A local Incident Management Team has been established chaired by a senior manager and comprising of clinicians, service managers and competent investigators. The Team held its first meeting on 10th December last and is currently reviewing the documentation and care processes involved in this case.
This aspect of the investigation will be completed shortly, after which the Team will schedule a series of interviews with key staff involved in the care of the named person (RIP). In order to complete the investigation and to give full consideration to all aspects of the case the Team will offer to meet with the family as part of the investigation process.
The Consultant involved in the case met with the family approximately one week before the inquest. Local management have also offered to meet with the family and the family are being kept informed of the progress of the investigation being undertaken by the local Incident Management Team.
The investigation will be overseen by the National Incident Management Team. On completion of its investigation the Team will forward its report to the National Incident Management Team for its consideration, including any recommendations that may be required to put in place arising from this sad case. The report will be shared with the family on its completion.
I hope the Deputy will understand that further comment at this time would be inappropriate.
