13/08/2018

Over 58,000 Patient Safety Incidents In Hospitals In 2017

More than 58,000 patient safety incidents occurred in Irish hospitals in 2017, according to new figures provided to Fianna Fáil.

Highlighting almost 160 incidents every day last year, Deputy Leader & Director of Policy Development Dara Calleary, said: "The data we have received is alarming and could potentially harm public confidence in our hospital system. What is also worrying is the fact that there was a significant increase in incidents last year – up from 49,152 in 2016. That's a jump of over 9,000.

"I recognise that this may not mean there were more such incidents, it could be a situation whereby more cases have simply been reported in 2017.

"Despite this, the significant regional variations are a concern. The Saolta Hospital Group (which includes Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Letterkenny hospitals) experienced a 44% increase, while the South/South West Hospital Group saw an increase of less than 5%.

"At 15,262, the Ireland East Hospital Group reported the most incidents, but given the fact that it is the largest with 11 hospitals in the group, this is hardly surprising. The Children's Hospital Group reported 1,006 incidents.

"Fianna Fáil also sought information on how many incidents had resulted in disciplinary action being taken but the HSE does not record such information. I would suggest they should. It is important for public confidence in our hospitals that people know that action is taken and that there are consequences."

(MH)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

22 January 2014
Subway To Create Almost 2000 Jobs In Expansion
Almost two thousand jobs are to be created in an expansion by the world's largest sandwich chain Subway. The company, headquartered in Connecticut, have said that the expansion will see them target non-traditional locations, understood to include hospitals, universities and petrol stations.
11 June 2012
Irish Fans Held After Clashes With Police
Three Irish supporters were among 14 people arrested in Poznan early yesterday morning after dozens of riot police were dispatched to the Old Town square. The men have been detained on suspicion of public order offences, vandalism and damage to property, but are not thought to have been involved in clashes with police.
03 September 2008
Armed Gardaí Elite Lock And Load
The new elite armed gardaí force go operational as of Wednesday, to tackle Ireland's growing gun crime problems. The Regional Support Unit (RSU) is a specialist team, trained to provide instant back up for frontline gardaí, and will have their own specialist vehicles and uniforms.
08 January 2016
Crisis In Irish Hospitals Is A 'National Scandal' - Doherty
The crisis currently affecting Irish hospitals is a "national scandal", according to Sinn Féín TD Pearse Doherty. Deputy Doherty said healthcare in Ireland is in 'utter chaos' following recent calls by HSE for GPs not to refer patients to Beaumont Hospital.
23 November 2015
Fianna Fáil Raise Concerns Over Care Standards In Hospitals
Dignity and basic care standards should be a priority for hospital management, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on health, Billy Kelleher, has said. Deputy Kelleher made the comments following the latest independent report into the care of an 81-year-old man at Beaumont Hospital last December.