No formal complaint behind Mallow inquiry

THE controversial investigation into Mallow General Hospital (MGH), which could result in the facility being severely downgraded or closed, is not based on any formal complaint by patients or medical staff.

The Irish Examiner has learned that despite initial claims the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) inquiry is the result of at least one complaint, no such correspondence has taken place.

Less than 24 hours after local GPs Dr Patrick O’Riordan and Dr Billy Christopher wrote to HIQA seeking clarification on the reasons behind the investigation, HSE and HIQA officials yesterday confirmed to MGH management that no complaint has been made about the facility.