Northern Ireland

Trust expresses 'genuine remorse' following fine over Christmas Day choking death of patient

The Northern Health Trust has been fined over the death of a patient at Mid Ulster Hospital on Christmas Day, 2014.
The Northern Health Trust has been fined over the death of a patient at Mid Ulster Hospital on Christmas Day, 2014.

The Northern Health Trust has expressed "genuine remorse and regret" to the family of a man who choked to death on a Brussels sprout while eating Christmas dinner at Magherafelt's Mid Ulster Hospital.

Gerard McElhone died on Christmas Day 2014 while a patient at the hospital with the dietary requirement that his food be mashed.

Following his death, a joint investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSENI) and the PSNI found the 50-year-old patient had asked for the vegetable and been given it in error by a member of staff.

On Thursday, the trust pleaded guilty to a health and safety charge at Coleraine Crown Court, and was fined £10,000.

The trust has said that following the death, it has taken "significant steps" to ensure patient safety.

HSENI inspector Linda Murphy said following the conviction that "effective communication of a patient's dietary requirements is vital in all healthcare settings".

A trust spokesperson said "staff and all involved in Mr McElhone’s care deeply regret the events of Christmas Day 2014 and we extend an unreserved apology, and genuine remorse and regret, to Mr McElhone’s family".

They said the death was a "stark reminder to everyone within the organisation that, no matter the intentions or endeavour, or the procedures and planning, sometimes things can still go wrong".

“His death was a humbling and salutary reminder of this, and nothing the Trust says can, or should, detract from the hurt felt by Mr McElhone’s family and we acknowledge their devastating loss," the spokesperson added.

“In the time since December 2014, the Trust has taken significant steps to improve processes and procedures. This has included steps taken to reduce the risk of such tragic cases occurring through further training, communication, increased awareness of the risks of choking and more specific provision of modified meals for patients who require them."