Child surgery‘incident’

A CLINICAL incident during surgery on a child in a Western Trust hospital on February 22 is currently under review with the health authority to ensure two anaesthetists are on site at all times in future.

By The Newsroom

Published 30th Mar 2012, 18:14 BST

Health Minsiter Edwin Poots advised two anaesthetists are currently on site at the Altnagelvin and Erne hosptials.

He was asked by West Tyrone MLA Ross Hussey whether a second anaesthetist is on site on every occasion when day-case paediatric surgery is carried out.

The Minister replied: “I am advised by the Trust that following a clinical incident on February 22, it was decided that pending a full incident review two anaesthetists would be required on site to strengthen clinical support during paediatric surgery.

“The Trust has advised that during paediatric surgery at Altnagelvin and Erne hospitals, 2 anaesthetists are on site and that paediatric surgery continues at the Tyrone County Hospital when a second anaesthetist is on site.”