UHL Boss Steps Aside Temporarily Lobby Group Claims

University Hospital Limerick (UHL) Chief Executive Colette Cowan has stepped aside from her role as part of a disciplinary process arising out of a second investigation report into the death of Shannon teenager Aoife Johnston, a local lobby group has claimed.

The Mid-West Hospital Campaign has alleged that Ms Cowan and other senior figures working in UHL are facing possible disciplinary proceedings over the 16 year-old’s death in an overcrowded hospital in December 2022.

It is understood that Ms Cowan has vacated her role temporarily pending the outcome of these disciplinary proceedings.

Aoife presented at UHL at 5.40pm with suspected sepsis on December 17, 2022. According to evidence presented at her inquest last April, the hospital’s protocols on sepsis, which require sepsis queried patents to be seen urgently, were not properly followed.

The teenager was not triaged until 7.15pm that night, and she did not receive antibiotics until it was too late. She died from meningitis at UHL on December 19 after waiting too long for treatment that may have saved her life.

Limerick Coroner John McNamara said there were systemic failures, missed opportunities and communication breakdowns throughout Aoife’s time in the ED at UHL before he found her death was due to medical misadventure.

HSE Chief Executive Benard Gloster, who commissioned Justice Frank Clarke to conduct a report into Aoife’s death, has pledged he would “discharge accountability” and ensure “appropriate justice” in relation to her death.

It has been claimed that Mr Gloster has initiated disciplinary proceedings following his consideration of the Frank Clarke report.

In a statement issued to the Clare Champion, the Mid-West Hospital Campaign said it has learned that Ms Cowan is facing the possibility of disciplinary action relating to the events that occurred in the Emergency Department of the hospital on December 19, 2022.

“While we welcome her stepping aside as a result of the disciplinary process, we are concerned that there are others facing action who we presume are still operating within the hospital and UL Hospitals’ Group. This is of concern to us.

“What cannot be forgotten is that the events of 19th December 22 did not happen in isolation. There have been many families who have suffered in that ED as a result of overcrowding both before that date and sadly since.”

Melanie Cleary whose daughter Eve died on July 21st 2019 having being discharged from UHL ED with a blood clot in her lung said:

“The voices of the people of Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary have long been ignored in their efforts to raise awareness of the appalling and subhuman conditions for patients who have had to attend the ED and wait for hours and even days.

“Often while extremely ill often with no one to advocate for them. Their time spent there is not always on trolleys, oftentimes it is just chairs or even standing”.

“We further recognise the difficulties for staff having to work in such an environment where patients are treated with no dignity, respect, care or compassion often with no access to a toilet. This is something that goes against the training of doctors, nurses, health care workers, catering and portering staff who all do their best to help in very trying circumstances.

“Our fears and concerns for the people of the Mid West region have been further increased by some recent decisions made by Stephen Donnelly, HSE and UHL management. These include the decision to cancel many appointments and surgeries with a day’s notice. These cancellations began on August 7, 2024 and to date are still ongoing.

“There has been a notable absence of comment from TDs and Senators and the huge impact it is having on so many people right across the region,” the group outlined.

The group pointed out a purpose built nursing home in Nenagh, built to accommodate the needs of the vulnerable communities of Tipperary and East Clare was handed over to a private company to run without consultation or discussion with those most affected.

These include those residents and staff of St Conlon’s Nursing Home, which was deemed as not fit for purpose some years ago, hence the need for a replacement.

The group said it understood that 20 beds at Cahercalla Nursing Home in Ennis are to be taken over for the same purpose. All 70 beds are to be used as a step down facility for patients from UHL.

It claimed there are still no clear indications of what is being provided in terms of rehabilitation and staffing. It is yet another way of reducing trolley numbers at UHL.

“It would also seem to give the impression that great strides have been made by HSE management in reducing those numbers at UHL where it is in fact just shifting the problems elsewhere.

“It is disturbing that some of our elected representatives have welcomed this as a positive move while others have not commented. There seems to be no care or concern for the members of our communities who would have had access to those beds for long term care or respite.

“Neither has concern been raised for the families who now have the additional burden of care usually in unsuitable conditions,” the group outlined.

The Johnston’s family solicitor Damien Tansey has told the Sunday Independent the Johnston family are not happy with the Frank Clarke report.

The Mid-West Hospital Campaign said a report that promised so much “has not only let the Johnston family down, it has let the entire communities of Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary down who have no choice other than to use UHL in emergencies”.

“The Johnston family have had to endure intolerable pain in their quest for justice. Sadly like for many who have gone before them they have been failed again,” said a group spokesperson.

 

The HSE and the UL Hospitals’ Group have been contacted for their reaction to the Mid-West Hospital Campaign’s claims in their statement .

 

Dan Danaher