Major investigation underway as 81 year old man was left in a soiled state at a major Dublin Hospital – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

Major investigation underway as 81 year old man was left in a soiled state at a major Dublin Hospital




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There is a serious investigation underway in a major Dublin hospital this evening after an elderly man died three weeks after he was discharged despite suffering from severe respiratory problems.

The investigation comes as the  family of 81 year-old Gerry Feeney, who tragically passed away on January 31st, appeared on RTE telling their story of how the former Aer Lingus foreman was left in a soiled state “with his nappy down around him” whilst he was admitted to Beaumont Hospital. Mr Feeney, from Donnycarney in Dublin, was referred to the hospital’s emergency department by Raheny House Nursing Home on December 8, after concerns were raised about his breathing. However Mr Feeny was discharged 24 hours later, although nursing staff at the home were not satisfied with his treatment and referred him back to the emergency department two days later.

Mr Feeney’s family told RTE that due to severe overcrowding, Gerry  was placed on the overflow ward for almost a week, before being moved to a geriatric ward, where his family discovered him in a soiled state whilst on a routine visit. Mr Feeny’s sister-in-law Sheila told RTE: “I was shocked with what I (saw). He was sitting in a chair with his gown on him, with his nappy down around him, and he was very distressed.” Mr Feeny’s sister Eileen who was  also visiting at the time said: “His dignity was totally gone.” However staff at the hospital discharged Mr Feeny from Beaumont on January 9th, but he sadly died from respiratory problems three weeks later.

The Beaumont Hospital have made a statement regarding the issue this evening in which they said: “The matters raised by the family were of “deep concern”. “It is not Beaumont’s practice to discuss individual cases. “We can confirm that the Feeney family has been in touch with the hospital to express serious concern about the care provided by Beaumont and to make a number of specific requests of the hospital. They went onto say: “We regret the serious issues and concerns raised by the family. These are of deep concern to the hospital and are being investigated. “We are liaising with the Feeney family and will inform them on the outcome of this investigation.”

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