HSE denies sick man’s treatment was delayed

A HSE investigation has dismissed as untrue claims by family members that a Traveller was not given immediate medical attention on admission to Ennis General Hospital.

Thomas ‘Brother’ Keenan died after suffering chest pains.

The investigation involved downloading CCTV at the hospital and checking other data, including the time calls were made and received.

It is believed that hospital staff, who had assisted attempts to revive Mr Keenan, were dismayed at claims that prompt action was not taken to resuscitate him.

He lost consciousness as he was being driven to the hospital in a family car.

Mr Keenan’s family had criticised the hospital, alleging that adequate care had not been provided and that he was only given treatment after gardaí were called to the hospital.

A HSE statement in response to these claims, said medical help was given promptly to Mr Keenan and attempted resuscitation was well under way before gardaí were called to the scene.

The statement added: “In fact, medical intervention had continued for approximately 45 minutes and it was nearing an end when the gardaí were called in response to an unruly group who had gathered at the hospital.

“When the gardaí arrived there were two nurses, three doctors, and four ambulance personnel dealing with the situation, all being co-ordinated by the assistant director of nursing.”

Mr Keenan, 53, a father-of-10, was rushed to the hospital by car at 3.15am on September 22 last.

The HSE also questioned claims that a call had been made to the ambulance service before Mr Keenan was brought out of his house in Clarecastle.

A HSE source said if such a call had been made, an ambulance could have met the car with Mr Keenan in it, while on its way from Clarecastle or could have been waiting for the car when it arrived at the hospital grounds.

However, it is believed the 999 call was made from the hospital grounds.

Medical staff decided, due to Mr Keenan’s condition, to commence the resuscitation process while he was still in the car. This was carried out by an on-call doctor and a nurse.

They continued this medical intervention until the ambulance arrived when paramedics took over.

Members of the dead man’s family questioned why gardaí were called.

The HSE said it was decided to call gardaí after a large number of people arrived at the hospital and became unruly. Some banged on the ambulance door while staff were still trying to resuscitate Mr Keenan.