Audit request on critical trauma cases

A CLINICAL review of the outcome of casualty patients with life-threatening injuries is required to properly assess the real impact of the loss of 24-hour emergency services at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Ennis.

 

That’s according to Deputy Timmy Dooley, who this week formally requested that the HSE conduct a new audit of critical Clare trauma cases that were taken directly to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick over the last three years.

Deputy Dooley made the call for an audit of the impact of the reconfiguration of acute hospital services during a HSE briefing for public representatives on the 2013 Service Plan, in response to claims that “20 people would die annually once these controversial changes were introduced”.

While anecdotal evidence indicated improved patient outcomes following the controversial removal of acute services from Ennis and Nenagh hospitals, the Fianna Fáil deputy argued it is important that this is verified medically.

He pointed out it would be very beneficial if the HSE examined the outcome of cardiac arrests of patients in North and West Clare and show the eventual outcome.

He said before 24-hour emergency services were removed from Ennis hospital in April 2009, hospital activists claimed that up to 20 people would die annually if a round-the-clock emergency department wasn’t available.

Acute Hospitals’ chief executive officer, Ann Doherty, admitted it is hard to demonstrate how many lives were saved, which would have to be quantified in an audit.

However, Ms Doherty pointed out the acute trauma bypass protocol, which was introduced before emergency services were reduced in Ennis hospital, was based on best international practice and had resulted in better outcomes for patients.

Dr Con Cronin told the briefing there is evidence to show that patients suffering from an acute heart attack had a 30 to 40% better outcome once they were treated in an appropriate setting, such as the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick. He added there were also considerable benefits for stroke patients when they were treated in a facility like Limerick.

Public representatives and HSE West Forum members were also told that the number of patients having keyhole surgery following reconfiguration has increased, which had resulted in shorter lengths of stay.

Deputy Pat Breen paid tribute to staff and management at Ennis hospital on its accreditation as a centre for colorectal screening and asked if a local person would be in charge of this facility, following the departure of Frank Keane, who is the new directorate manager for maternal and child health.

Ms Doherty pledged there would be a new person appointed to look after Ennis hospital on a day-to-day basis.

A new position of operation site manager is being recruited and it is expected the new post holder will have significant nursing management experience.