20 February 2009
Statement from The Minister for Health and Social Services
20th February 2009
The Minister for Health and Social Services can confirm that a company, independent of Jersey , called “Verita” has been commissioned to lead on the Serious Untoward Incident Investigation into the tragic death of Mrs Elizabeth Rourke, who died during routine surgery at the General Hospital in October 2006.
Verita, a specialist organisation, has been involved in some of the most high profile investigations and inquiries in recent years. With a broad client base, that includes many national and local, public and private sector organisations, including the Department of Health, the Home Office, General Medical Council and the National Patient Safety Agency, their work ranges from serious incident investigation to service reviews.
Leading the investigation on behalf of Verita is Dr Sally Adams, an experienced human factors practitioner, who has a strong background in healthcare and incident investigation. Dr Adams will be leading a small team of experienced staff, who will contribute their clinical expertise to the investigation.
Senator Jim Perchard, Minister for Health and Social Services confirmed “Following an approach to the National Patient Safety Agency, in UK , Dr Adams’ name was one of three put forward by the NPSA Chief Executive. I will be meeting with Dr Adams in the coming week when the investigation will commence. We at the Jersey General Hospital are all very keen to start this investigation and know how important this is to Mrs Rourke’s family, her friends, and colleagues and the people of Jersey.
Given the human tragedy of this incident it is vitally important to ensure that people have confidence in the investigation that now needs to take place. This of course was not possible during the past two years as the case was brought to trial. I can confirm that neither Dr Adams nor any of her team, have prior links with Jersey General Hospital or its staff.”
Running alongside this Serious Untoward Incident Investigation the Hospital is consulting with the National Clinical Assessment Service to discuss what other investigations and processes should be undertaken in relation to the circumstances leading to the tragic death of Mrs Rourke.
No further comment will be made at this stage .
Ends
Contact – Rose Naylor – Director of Nursing and Governance HSSD - 444196
gov.je