Grieving family call father’s treatment at UHW ‘inhumane’ at coroner inquest – News

A grieving family made a harrowing statement about the treatment their father received at University Hospital Waterford (UHW). 

The family were attending the inquest into their father’s death, which took place at Waterford Courthouse, and was presided over by county coroner John P. Goff. 

One family member said: “It is a system that appears to be broken.” 

In summer 2022, the elderly man was admitted to UHW after having suffered a hip fracture. During his time in hospital he aspirated several times and had to be placed on oxygen support. 

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon at UHW, Dr Terence Murphy gave his witness statement at the inquest, describing the treatment that the man received at the hospital.

The inquest heard that the patient had contracted Covid-19, a detail that was initially missed on his X-Ray. The family received an apology for the omission the following day. Their father passed away soon afterwards. It was unclear when he may have contracted the virus. The cause of death was diffuse lung injury with a background of severe Covid-19. 

After the doctor’s submission, the family of the man stated in court: “Our father received extremely poor care at UHW.” 

They explained that upon hearing that their father was being admitted to UHW, they all worried because of the hospital’s ‘reputation’.

‘Clearly flustered’

One family member said that when they came to see their father in hospital, he saw a security guard sat near his father ‘on his phone’. Another member of the family spoke of finding vomit on their father’s chest. Upon asking for help for their father, they were referred to a junior doctor who appeared “clearly flustered” and “unsure what to do”, according to the family’s statement. They asked about the sedatives given to their father, and whether it was “common practice” as the patient was over 65 and had aspirated twice.

Dr Murphy commented that when a patient suffers a hip fracture, being moved into a new environment can be a “delirious” experience for them.

Addressing the family, Mr Goff said: “You obviously had a very distressing time at the hospital. Without putting the blame on anyone, we’ll find out what lessons can be learned from this.”