27 March 2009
The Health and Social Services Minister has commissioned an independent investigation into the care, treatment and management of Mrs Elizabeth Rourke who died during a routine gynaecological operation at the General Hospital on 17th October 2006. A subsequent police investigation led to the locum registrar who operated on Mrs Rourke standing trial for manslaughter. At the trial, which concluded in January 2009, the defendant was found to be not guilty.
The purpose of the independent investigation is to:
- Examine the care, treatment and management of Mrs Elizabeth Rourke from her related GP referral up until the start of the police investigation
- Review the main actions taken by the Health and Social Services Department in response to her death including its own internal investigation
- Review progress made against the recommendations of the interim internal investigation.
- Identify any further actions that the Health and Social Services department should take to improve patient safety and quality of health services.
The independent investigation will be carried out by Verita, a management consultancy that specialises in reviews, investigations and inquiries in health and social care. Three of Verita’s most experienced investigators will carry out the work: Managing Director Ed Marsden, Director of Client work, Derek Mechen and Senior Investigator Dr Sally Adams.
The investigation team aims to conclude its work by September 2009 and will provide a written report with recommendations to the minister.
No further information about the investigation or its findings will be released until the investigative team has concluded its work.
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