Monaghan hospital - Bureaucratic mess puts lives at risk

THE anguish of the family of Patrick Walsh, the latest victim of an avoidable death in the Irish health service, will not be assuaged by an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Monaghan hospital.

The 70-year-old died following a series of appalling mishaps resulting directly from the bureaucratic mess which has led to yet another investigation.

It is absolutely outrageous that Monaghan hospital was not allowed to carry out emergency surgery on a bleeding ulcer even though a surgical team, a theatre and an intensive care bed were available.