Six individuals are facing disciplinary action related to the circumstances surrounding the death of 16-year-old Aoife Johnston at University Hospital Limerick in December 2022, according to the Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive (HSE), Bernard Gloster. This announcement follows the release of a report by former chief justice Frank Clarke that detailed significant failings in the hospital’s emergency department.
The report, published on Friday, revealed that medical staff were unaware of Ms. Johnston’s risk of sepsis, which contributed to a tragic series of events. Due to overcrowding, she was mistakenly directed to a part of the emergency department where essential sepsis protocols were neither kept nor filled out.
In a somber acknowledgment of the shortcomings, Mr. Gloster stated, “We can never tire of saying we failed Aoife, we failed her badly; our failure caused her death.” He emphasized the need for accountability within the healthcare system.
Regarding the disciplinary actions, Mr. Gloster confirmed that “six people are the subject of various considerations in the disciplinary process,” with four currently on administrative leave. He declined to disclose the names of those involved, underscoring the importance of allowing them a fair hearing during the ongoing processes.
When questioned about the necessity of a new inquiry, Mr. Gloster expressed skepticism, suggesting that it would not yield different findings or enhance accountability beyond what is already being pursued.
As for the current safety of University Hospital Limerick, Mr. Gloster indicated improvements have been made, stating, “Safer, and that’s what I say in every part of the health service.” However, he acknowledged the persistent risks, asserting that while they are mitigated, the potential for similar incidents still exists.
Mr. Gloster conveyed concerns raised by the Clarke report regarding the operational systems of the emergency department, stating, “Every step is being taken to make it safer, and safer is what I continue to pursue.” The HSE continues to face scrutiny over its handling of emergency care as it seeks to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.