THE FAMILY OF Aoife Johnston, whose death at University Hospital Limerick in December 2022 was described by former Chief Justice Frank Clarke as “completely avoidable”, are very unhappy that one of the people who may be facing potential disciplinary action stemming from the Shannon schoolgirl’s death has been appointed to a new and senior position in the HSE.
The Minister was attending this Thursday’s meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee, which convened to look into current issues in the health service in the Mid West.
Sinn Féin TD David Cullinan asked if the Health Minister was aware that Johnston family are “far from happy” with media reports that one of six people who are the subject of a disciplinary process following the publication of the Clarke report into the circumstances of Aoife’s death has been appointed to a new position without a public recruitment process.
Minister Donnelly replied that he was mindful that “a significant disciplinary process … the largest accountability move in the history of the HSE” is in train and he did not “want to prejudice that process” by referring to any individual involved.
He confirmed to the committee that the new chief executive at University Hospital Limerick is to be Ian Carter – who is not in any way connected with the ongoing disciplinary process. He said that the CEO role has changed under a complete reconfiguration of the HSE nationally and the job held by the previous CEO of the UL Hospital Group “does not exist anymore”.
Several members were critical of the fact the Mr Carter was not in attendance, to which Minister Donnelly replied “you didn’t invite him”.
“And given that he has just taken up the post, it might be more useful for him to be at a meeting if the committee in few weeks’ time.”
The Minister also informed the committee members that the previous location of the offices of the CEO and executives, in an office block away from the hospital, are no more, with staff being relocated to the hospital itself.
The vacated office block in an industrial park will now be used for outpatient clinics, he said.
A new governance system has been set up nationally for the HSE regions and, with that, a new structure of management.
He said that while a disciplinary process is underway “it is important to note that, as of this moment, no findings have been made against any individual in relation to the tragic death of Aoife Johnston”.
Referring to a High Court action being taken by the UHL’s Clinical Director, Professor Brian Lenehan, against the HSE in relation to his being placed on leave pending the process, the Minister said that while he is no expert, “we need to be be extremely careful. Do not underestimate the power of contract law.”
He said he could mention the court action as “it is already reported in the public arena”.
