Menu
31/01/2018
Hyponatraemia Inquiry: Four Children's Death Were Avoidable
A public inquiry into the deaths of five children in hospitals in Northern Ireland found that four of them were avoidable.
The findings followed an inquiry into hyponatraemia-related deaths.
Hyponatraemia is a condition that occurs when the level of sodium in a persons blood is abnormally low.
SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA described the report as "shocking" and a "damning indictment of a system that sought to protect the reputation of individuals rather than admit to shortcomings or failures that led to the death of young children".
He said: "This report vindicated the long struggle of the parents of Adam Strain, Claire Roberts, Raychel Ferguson, Lucy Crawford and Conor Mitchel for the truth about what needlessly happened to their children.
"For 14 years, this inquiry has attempted to get to the truth of these deaths. And throughout that period, they have been frustrated by evasion from a number of witnesses. That's 14 years lost. 14 years that families could have spent coming to terms with what happened if they had been told the truth. And a significant amount of resource that could have been spent raising standards so that this never happens again.
"Mr Justice O'Hara's recommendations must be implemented in full. Especially the proposal for a duty of candour on medical professionals to tell families about major failures fully and honestly. My thoughts today are with the families who have some degree of closure. We must all work to ensure no family is subjected to this ordeal again."
(CD/MH)
The findings followed an inquiry into hyponatraemia-related deaths.
Hyponatraemia is a condition that occurs when the level of sodium in a persons blood is abnormally low.
SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA described the report as "shocking" and a "damning indictment of a system that sought to protect the reputation of individuals rather than admit to shortcomings or failures that led to the death of young children".
He said: "This report vindicated the long struggle of the parents of Adam Strain, Claire Roberts, Raychel Ferguson, Lucy Crawford and Conor Mitchel for the truth about what needlessly happened to their children.
"For 14 years, this inquiry has attempted to get to the truth of these deaths. And throughout that period, they have been frustrated by evasion from a number of witnesses. That's 14 years lost. 14 years that families could have spent coming to terms with what happened if they had been told the truth. And a significant amount of resource that could have been spent raising standards so that this never happens again.
"Mr Justice O'Hara's recommendations must be implemented in full. Especially the proposal for a duty of candour on medical professionals to tell families about major failures fully and honestly. My thoughts today are with the families who have some degree of closure. We must all work to ensure no family is subjected to this ordeal again."
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 October 2011
Sinn Fein 'Up In Arms' Over Truth Commission
Sinn Fein has claimed that the NI Secretary of State has no power to overrule a proposed 'Truth Commission' proposal for Northern Ireland.
Sinn Fein 'Up In Arms' Over Truth Commission
Sinn Fein has claimed that the NI Secretary of State has no power to overrule a proposed 'Truth Commission' proposal for Northern Ireland.
02 November 2001
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
31 October 2019
SF: PSNI Failing Families Of Troubles Victims
Sinn Fein has accused the PSNI of continually failing the families of Troubles victims after it emerged that reports into three deaths will be delayed.
SF: PSNI Failing Families Of Troubles Victims
Sinn Fein has accused the PSNI of continually failing the families of Troubles victims after it emerged that reports into three deaths will be delayed.
19 July 2018
Belfast And L'Derry Have Highest Premature Death Rates
The SDLP has hit out after it was revealed that deprived areas in Belfast and L'Derry have the highest premature death rates. SDLP Social Justice spokesperson Nichola Mallon said the "most vulnerable in our society are being failed". She also called for a standalone Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Belfast And L'Derry Have Highest Premature Death Rates
The SDLP has hit out after it was revealed that deprived areas in Belfast and L'Derry have the highest premature death rates. SDLP Social Justice spokesperson Nichola Mallon said the "most vulnerable in our society are being failed". She also called for a standalone Anti-Poverty Strategy.
13 May 2015
Two Men Arrested Over Alleged Death Threats To Darren Kelly
Two men have been arrested over alleged death threats sent to Oldham manager Darren Kelly from Northern Ireland. Greater Manchester Police arrested a 27-year-old man and 42-year-old man on suspicion of making threats to kill. They are being detained by the police for questioning.
Two Men Arrested Over Alleged Death Threats To Darren Kelly
Two men have been arrested over alleged death threats sent to Oldham manager Darren Kelly from Northern Ireland. Greater Manchester Police arrested a 27-year-old man and 42-year-old man on suspicion of making threats to kill. They are being detained by the police for questioning.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
