UHL crisis: Death of teenager Aoife Johnston 'did not happen in isolation', campaigners warn
Conditions in UHL 'appalling', with patients often waiting hours or days for a bed: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Campaigners calling for improved healthcare in the Limerick region have warned the death of a teenager at University Hospital Limerick was not an isolated incident.
It was reported on Sunday the hospital group chief executive Colette Cowan is now facing disciplinary action relating to the death of Aoife Johnston, 16, in the overcrowded emergency department in December 2022.
She has now stepped aside while the investigation continues following a review by former Justice Frank Clarke, the reported.
This follows a period earlier this year when the HSE put in an assistant national director to cover Professor Cowan’s work, saying this was done to cover leave from February 14.
It is understood she was absent from work until shortly before the end of March.
The Midwest Hospital Campaign said of the move: “We welcome her stepping aside as a result of the disciplinary process now.
“What cannot be forgotten is that the events of December 19, 2022, did not happen in isolation,” it said.
“There have been many families who have suffered in that ED as a result of overcrowding both before that date and sadly since.”
People living in Clare, Limerick and north Tipperary have been “ignored” as they tried to warn about the risks, said Melanie Cleary.
Her daughter, Eve, died in July 2019, hours after being discharged from the ED in UHL despite being seriously ill.
She described conditions as “appalling”, pointing out patients often waited for hours or days for a hospital bed.
“[They are] often extremely ill often with no one to advocate for them. Their time spent there is not always on trolleys, oftentimes it is just chairs or even standing,” she said.
The campaigners said these conditions were also causing pressures for staff.
“Our fears and concerns for the people of the Mid-West region have been further increased by some recent decisions made by Stephen Donnelly, HSE and UHL management,” they also said.
“These include the decision to cancel many appointments and surgeries with a day’s notice. These cancellations began on August 7 and to date are still ongoing. There has been a notable absence of comment from TDs and senators and the huge impact it is having on so many people.”
They also raise concerns for the family of Aoife Johnston, who still do not have answers, the group said.
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