Health Minister Robin Swann has launched a ‘Level Three Serious Adverse Incident’ investigation in the wake of another Covid-19 linked death at Craigavon Area Hospital.
The Ulster Unionist MLA informed the Assembly of the move this afternoon. The news comes after the Southern Trust annoucned that a fourth person “who was treated on the Haematology Ward at Craigavon Area Hospital, and who had tested positive for Covid-19, sadly passed away this morning”.
The Minister made the announcement after chairing discussions this morning about the latest situation at the hospital. The meeting involved senior officials from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, the Public Health Agency and the Department of Health.
Mr Swann said: “I said on Friday that a thorough investigation is required and that patients and bereaved families are entitled to answers.
“I can now confirm that a Level Three Serious Adverse Incident review will be initiated. This will be independently chaired and I expect its findings to be made public.
“I also want to again express my deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those who have passed away. I am deeply sorry that families have been plunged into grief in such disturbing circumstances.”
The Minister added: “The Public Health Agency gave me an assurance at the meeting that all the actions that have been requested to reduce spread have been implemented by the Trust.
“I was also assured by the Southern Trust that support is available for families, patients and staff.”
“There are undoubtedly questions that will have to be answered by the Trust in relation to these outbreaks. There is also a lesson for us all to keep heeding - Covid-19 remains a lethal and highly infectious virus.”
