Draft report into outbreak of covid-19 clusters resulting in patients deaths given to families and Southern Trust

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Craigavon Area Hospital in the Southern Trust - 15 people died following an outbreak of covid-19 clusters in the Trust area

By Q Radio News

A draft copy of an Independent report relating to covid-19 clusters which led to the deaths of 15 patients has been given to the Southern Trust and the families of those affected. 

Health Minister Robin Swann announced the Independent Level 3 Serious Adverse Incident report in September 2020. 

15 patients died within the Southern Trust amid an outbreak of covid-19 clusters between August and October 2020. 

The probe was conducted by an independent panel, which was chaired by Dr Guduru Gopal Rao, a Consultant Microbiologist from the London North West University Trust.

The report has been shared with the 32 families impacted by the outbreaks and the Health and Social Care Board. 

Families will now have the chance to engage with the panel in the months ahead before the final report is submitted to the Trust. 

Health Minister Robin Swann

Minister Swann said, “When I announced this investigation in September last year, I gave a commitment to the families concerned that they would be involved in the SAI process.

"I therefore welcome the Southern Trust’s decision to appoint a family liaison officer and I understand this has assisted families in their engagement with the process. 

"I also welcome the fact these families will now receive the draft report and will be able to provide further views to the Independent Panel. 

“It remains my expectation that the findings of the final report will be made public in due course. 

"In the meantime, I want to thank the families for their contributions to this critical learning process to date and to assure them that many of the risk mitigations to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have been implemented across all Trusts. 

"However, it is also important to note that the risk posed by COVID-19 cannot be completely removed.  This remains a lethal and highly infectious disease and we must remain vigilant to these risks across all healthcare settings and in all aspects of our daily lives.” 

The completion date for the Independent Panel’s final report is subject to the level of engagement with families in the months ahead and therefore cannot be confirmed at this time.

The report will be submitted by the Panel to the Southern HSC Trust and the findings will be made public at that time. 

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