A review of patient safety has been carried out at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) following the collapse and later death of a 67-year-old Ballina man, an inquest has been told.
Martin Best, Childers Heights, Ballina, died in hospital in January 2019 after a procedure to have what is known as a central venous catheter – CVC - line removed.
Following representations from Mr. Best’s family, the Attorney General directed the Coroner for Mayo, Pat O’Connor to hold an inquest into the death.
Dr. Donal Tighe, Consultant Gastroenterologist and General Physician, told the inquest hearing in Swinford Courthouse that a patient safety review was carried out following Mr. Best’s death.
Patients are advised to remain in a lying, flat position for approximately five minutes following the removal of a CVC line, Dr. Tighe explained.
He added that CVC lines should be removed with two people present and there should be more emphasis on clear instructions to patients when having lines removed and the risks associated.
Nine members of Mr. Best’s family, including his wife, Geraldine, were present for the hearing. Two family members, Sharon Best and Jason Best, gave evidence by way of written statements.
A number of medical consultants and staff members of MUH gave evidence and were subjected to cross examination by Johann Verbruggen (Callan Tansey Solicitors), representing the family, Dr. Simon Mills, counsel , representing the HSE and the Saolta Hospital Group, as well as the coroner.
After hearing the evidence Coroner O’Connor said it was an appropriate case to get written submissions from both sides on the inquest verdict that should be recorded, the medical cause of death and any recommendations they might like to make on how further similar situations could be avoided.
The coroner set a deadline of May 5 for the receipt of the submissions and said he hoped to deliver his verdict on May 19.
