Hospital probe as hanger used to hang up IV drip

A leading hospital has been accused of practicing "third-world" medicine on its wards, after a clothes hanger was used to hang up a seriously ill patient’s IV drip on a lamp shade.

Beaumont Hospital has confirmed it is investigating the incident after a picture showing the shocking practice was published in the Irish Mirror. yesterday.

In the image, a patient’s IV drip is clearly seen hung up on a lamp shade while still inserted in the patient.

 Picture: ‘Irish Mirror’

Beaumont has insisted the matter is not the result of vital equipment not being readily available to staff. However, patient and medical groups have argued the image is proof of the impact of long-term cutbacks on the hospital system.

“Using a coat hanger to hold up an IV drip is akin to third-world medicine. This needs to be urgently reviewed because it is a major concern,” said Irish Patients’ Association chairman, Stephen McMahon.

“There are two options here: either this was because equipment wasn’t available due to cutbacks or it was an emergency situation where the IV drip had to be inserted immediately.

“If it is about finances then the clear evidence is that cutbacks are hurting patients. Cutbacks mainly focus on consumables, in other words bandages and IV drip stands, because it is easier to reduce spend on these items than salaries,” he said.

Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation general secretary, Liam Doran, made a similar claim, pointedly saying: “regrettably things like this happen. Welcome to the HSE in 2014.”

A hospital spokesperson said she could not provide any details on the condition of the patient, despite groups saying the only way the IV drip move could be justified is if it was a stop-gap measure in an emergency situation.

However, she confirmed the incident is now being investigated.

“Beaumont Hospital has now seen the photograph in question and is concerned IV equipment is being used in this way.

“There is no reason why this should have happened. IV equipment should be supported by an appropriate drip stand at all times. There is no shortage of stands.”

The hospital has asked the patient concerned to contact its patient representative office so it can investigate the incident further