Rotunda rejects ‘lack of control’ finding

DUBLIN’S Rotunda Hospital yesterday assured patients steps had been taken since Jacqueline Rushton’s death to ensure a similar tragedy from IVF treatment would not happen again.

The Master of the hospital Dr Michael Geary has, however, strongly rejected an independent finding that there was a lack of senior control over Ms Rushton’s care. In a statement responding to the HSE report by British expert Prof Alison Murdoch, the hospital said it had “carefully noted” the recommendations.

Steps were taken since Ms Rushton’s death in January 2003 to ensure it never happened again when complications arose like Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). But, it added: “However, we would note that Jacqui Rushton was seen on a daily basis by at least one of the following experienced medical staff which included, consultants, sub-specialist in reproductive medicine, RCSI lecturer in obstetrics and gynaecology, assistant master and specialist registrars in obstetrics and gynaecology.”

At all times the consultant team, the Master and the hospital board were accountable for the care of all patients, said Dr Geary.

New guidelines on fluid management were been followed, he added.

The hospital will also consider a suggestion to use paracentesis as a procedure, to help drain the body of fluid, in future related cases.

Health Minister Mary Harney said yesterday all recommendations in the independent report would be fully implemented by the HSE. “It was clear from my meeting with Jacqueline’s mother and sisters that this family had suffered a huge loss. They had many unanswered questions and concerns relating to Jacqueline’s treatment which needed to be clarified.”

The Health Service Executive also said it wanted to express its sympathy to the husband Danny, parents Fintan and Angela Hickey and family of Jacqueline Rushton.

“We welcome the findings of this report and are taking immediate steps to ensure that all recommendations are implemented in our hospitals. There is always an onus on any healthcare provider to review their processes and systems and this report underlines again this requirement. It is very important for us to learn from this tragic event.”