Draft report by an independent panel into the Southern Trust Covid-19 clusters

In September 2020, a level three serious adverse incident investigation was launched into the deaths at Craigavon Area Hospital. On the 16th September 2021, Health Minister Mr Swann reported that families of Covid victims are to receive draft reports into the Southern Trust outbreaks.

It has been said that a draft report compiled by an Independent Panel which looks into the outbreaks between August and October 2020, has been received by the Southern Trust. In September 2020, the most severe cluster was identified in the Haematology Ward in Craigavon Area Hospital, with 4 patients dying on the ward. The outbreak has sadly reportedly led to the death of 15 patients altogether.

A year on, and Mr Swann announced that the Independent Panel is led by Dr Guduru Gopal Rao, a Consultant Microbiologist and the report will be shared with 32 affected families, who will also have the opportunity to engage with the Panel in the near future, before the draft report is finalised. In this announcement, Mr Swann called upon the Southern Trust to appoint a family liaison officer who will aid families with their engagement in the process.

The completion date for the Independent Panel’s final report is currently unknown. However, it is established that this is highly subject to the level of engagement with families in the coming months. It is expected that finding of the report will be made public once the report is submitted by the Panel to the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.

If you or your family have been affected by the Covid-19 outbreak in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and are seeking expert legal advice, please contact us on the PA Duffy & Company Solicitors website or call 02887722102.