Serious Adverse Incident investigation at Craigavon Hospital following death of fourth patient

A fourth patient, who had been treated in the Haematology Ward, died this morning from COVID-19.

The ward was one of three separate clusters at the Co Armagh hospital where a number of patients and staff tested positive for COVID-19.

Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd tabled an urgent question at the NI Assembly this afternoon (Monday) to ask the minister if the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority had inspected or been asked to inspect the hospital following recent COVID-19 outbreaks.

Health Minister Robin Swan expresssed his deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those who have passed away recently at Craigavon Hospital.

He said: “At all times citizens should expect the highest standards of infection control to be in place across our health care facilities.

“In light of these recent clusters the Southern Trust’s immediate priorities are to care for infected patients and staff and prevent further spread of the virus.”

He said he spoke to senior management at the Trust and the Public Health Agency to make my expectations clear on this very serious matter.

“I am assured that everything that needs to be done has been done in relation to infection prevention and control.”

He said the investigation would be a Level Three SAI which he has asked the Trust to initiate immediately. This will be independently chaired and its findings made public.

He added that while they wanted a thorough investigation they couldn’t put a timeline.

Mr Swan also raised the role of the RQIA and said the body would play an important part in investigation.

“There will have to be questions answered by the Trust in relation to these outbreaks once the immediate threat has been brought under control. The necessary steps are underway and many lessons are being shared across all health and social care trusts as they emerge.

“COVID-19 remains a lethal and highly infectious virus.”

In response Mr O’Dowd said just before he came into the chamber a fourth death in relation to the outbreaks at Craigavon Hospital.

“We have 17 members of staff in the Haematology ward who have tested positive. We have a total of 56 staff who are self isolating as a result of being in close contact with COVID-19.

“When is it the time to call in the RQIA. Surely we should have been in the hospital before this giving an independent inspection. Was there measures put in place to prevent the spread of this infection across the hospital.

“We are told these three outbreaks are not connected but I am not aware of any other acute hospital in this region which has had a COVID-19 outbreak which raises serious concerns in relation to Craigavon Area Hospital and how infection control is being managed.

“The only way that can be reassured is if a body like the RQIA, which is legislated to inspect hospitals, does so. Though I do welcome the minister announcing an independent investigation. We need answers now to prevent further outbreaks.”
Mr Swan said he shared his concern.

“What we have heard today in regards to another life lost is a death too many,” he said, adding that the independent investigation he launched is a very ‘specific targeted piece of work’.

The Minister said it would have a knock on effect in relation to other services.

Ulster Nnionist MLA Doug Beattie MC, welcomed Level Three Serious Adverse Incident investigation

Mr Beattie Said: “I want to express my deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those who have passed away in Craigavon Area Hospital due to Covid-19. I am deeply sorry that these families have been plunged into grief in such disturbing circumstances.

“I welcome the announcement from the Health Minister Mr Robin Swann MLA that a Level Three Serious Adverse Incident Investigation will be undertaken on these outbreaks.

“These families are entitled to answers and this independent investigation will be able to provide those answers.

“The Staff within the Southern Trust have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic in an extremely stressful environment. This outbreak is a major blow to their continued hard work in preventing the virus from spreading and some may feel disheartened by what has happened. My support of these courageous and professional NHS workers, both clinical and non-clinical is unswerving and my thoughts are with them all along with the families.”

https://www.portadowntimes.co.uk/health/fourth-patient-covid-hit-ward-craigavon-died-morning-2963880

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