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.”