HSE chief launches new investigation into tragic death of Aoife Johnston at UHL

THE CEO of the Health Service Executive (HSE), has announced a new investigation into the tragic death of Aoife Johnston, a 16-year-old girl who passed from meningitis at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

The decision comes in the wake of a report received this month that highlighted significant findings concerning Aoife's care and the overall operation of the hospital.

Bernard Gloster, CEO of the HSE, expressed the gravity of the situation, stated: "Having considered all of the matters, the CEO is satisfied that questions of accountability need to be addressed."

Commenting on the decision, Mr Gloster said: "I have appointed the former chief justice, Mr Justice Frank Clarke (retired), to conduct a formal investigation into all of these matters, to make findings and to report to me. The outcome of this investigation will inform any further decisions to be made."

Mr Gloster emphasised the importance of such investigations in the healthcare sector, stating: "There are many situations in health and social care where analysis of adverse incidents can glean learnings for improvement. There are also situations where clearly further investigation is required, and I am satisfied this is one of those."

While finalising the Terms of Reference for the investigation in the coming weeks, Mr Gloster has tasked Mr Justice Clarke with conducting a timely and thorough examination of the matter. The CEO acknowledged the pain and grief experienced by Aoife's family, taking the opportunity to apologise unreservedly on behalf of the HSE.

He recognised the profound loss faced by the family and assured them that the issues raised in the report would be investigated rigorously.

"I do however assure them that the issues raised in the report will be investigated thoroughly," Mr Gloster reiterated. Although he could not provide additional details at this time, the CEO extended condolences to Aoife's family on the first anniversary of her passing.

Earlier this month, the Irish Independent, reported on an unpublished review into the Shannon teen's death, citing that the 16-year-old presented to the emergency department after 5pm on Saturday, December 17, 2023, was triaged two hours later, with sepsis being considered as a possibility.

It was further reported that delays in her treatment ultimately breached the national guidelines on sepsis management as she was left to wait in the emergency department for 12 hours until she finally received an emergency medical review at 6am.