Hospital probes patient death claim

A LIMERICK hospital is investigating claims that a patient died during a breakdown in care procedures after two newly-qualified doctors were left alone to monitor a ward.

Chief executive of St John’s Hospital Tim Kennelly has ordered the probe and contacted the doctor who made the accusation.

The doctor, who now works in another hospital, says a patient died when a crisis arose while two intern doctors were left on their own, contrary to hospital policy, which states they should be accompanied by a Senior House Officer (SHO).