Probe sought into Mayo hospital's handling of confirmed 'superbug' case

A formal investigation is being sought into the handling of a confirmed case of the superbug ESBL at Mayo University Hospital (MUH).

Issuing the call, Deputy Paul Lawless said the probe should include failures in communication with the patient and GP, infection-control measures and discharge procedures.

He is also seeking a full written explanation and apology to the patient concerned.

Deputy Lawless has raised the matter with Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

At the centre of the dispute is the allegation that a patient of the Castlebar facility, who tested positive for ESBL on April 6 last, was not informed of the result for approximately 20 days.

ESBL (Extended-spectrum Betalactamase) is a common antibiotic-resistant bacteria, known as a superbug, which is more likely to cause infection in people who are already very sick.

Hospital procedures that place patients at higher risk of ESBL infection include major surgery, having a medical device inserted into the body, such as a catheter or IV line, and cancer treatment.

Deputy Lawless said concerns were raised with him due to the delay in informing the patient and his GP as well as the potential risk posed to other patients arising from the failure to notify and appropriately manage the confirmed case.

The Knock-based TD has submitted six questions to the Minister for Health about the matter.

In one he asked the minister is she satisfied that the processes in place ensured the timely and accurate transfer of infection-related clinical information when a patient was transferred from Mayo University Hospital to the Sacred Heart Hospital for rehabilitation.

In response to each of his questions, the minister stated: “As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.”

Deputy Lawless said he is still awaiting a response from the HSE on a matter of public concern.

Deputy Lawless said the failure to notify meant the patient unknowingly continued their care journey without awareness of a contagious infection.

Upon transfer to St. Joseph’s Ward at the Sacred Heart Hospital for rehabilitation, staff informed the patient of the infection - this was the first time the patient became aware of their ESBL status.

Staff in the rehabilitation facility immediately implemented infection control precautions.

Stated Deputy Lawless: “This alleged situation is deeply concerning and raises very serious questions around patient safety, communication and infection control procedures. It is particularly troubling that a patient may not have been informed of a confirmed ESBL infection in a timely manner.

"As a result, I have submitted a number of parliamentary questions to the Minister for Health to fully establish the facts of this case, to understand how such a failure could occur and to shed light on whether proper protocols were followed.

"It is essential that we get full transparency on this matter and that any shortcomings identified are urgently addressed to ensure that no patient is ever left uninformed about a serious infection again, and that the safety of all patients is properly protected at all times.”