A note issued by a major public nursing home that has had 11 Covid-19-related deaths referred to those who had the infection as the “dirtiest patients.”
The name of leading medical expert Martin Cormican was associated with the memo seen by Independent.ie, but he did not write it down and called it “offensive”.
The memo, issued at St. Mary’s Hospital in Phoenix Park, which advised staff on the proper use of protective clothing and equipment, said they should start with “the cleanest and most symptom-free patients.”
They should then go on to dirty patients, those who suspect they have viruses or have symptoms.
Finally, they should proceed with the “dirtiest” patients who have confirmed the infection.
The memo was issued last April 13 and was not signed. He mentioned the public health advice recommended by Professor Cormican, who is HSE’s leader in health infection control and antibiotic use.
Professor Cormican said: “I agree that the terms are offensive. I did not write this memo that was attributed to me without my knowledge or approval.
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04/17/2020 St. Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park, pictured this afternoon, which has recorded 11 Covid-19 related deaths in the past two weeks. Colin Keegan painting, Collins Dublin
Colin Keegan
04/17/2020 St. Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park, pictured this afternoon, which has recorded 11 Covid-19 related deaths in the past two weeks. Colin Keegan painting, Collins Dublin
“I don’t think I have ever used such terms in anything I have written about patients and I must say I am very upset to discover that someone has associated my name with this.”
This week it was learned that the HSE-managed facility has had 11 coronavirus-related deaths since April 2.
Ten of these were confirmed and one was a suspicious case.
A spokeswoman for the facility said, “Although the HSE does not comment on internal documents, I can confirm that Professor Cormican attended St. Mary’s Hospital.”
After his visit, a redacted note was written at St. Mary’s Hospital, which was issued in error without any formal approval.
“To be clear, it was not written by Professor Cormican. When this memo was brought to the attention of management, it was immediately withdrawn.
“The memorandum and how it was issued are being handled through an internal HSE process.”
She said: “It is our great preference that this unapproved memorandum and the information contained therein is not published.”
The priority within all HSE Community Healthcare Dublin North City and County residential care services, including St Mary’s Hospital, is the delivery of safe person-centered care to all residents, he added.
