Latest news with #RoyalVictoriaHospital
BBC News
28-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Royal Victoria Belfast: Heart surgeons threw instruments and bullied nurses
An "apparent power battle" has been unfolding between some senior doctors in the Royal Victoria Hospital's cardiac surgery unit, a leaked inspection report has independent review of the service was undertaken last year following long-running concerns about the culture. Last week, UTV reported the review had concluded that behavioural issues were creating a significant risk to patient safety. BBC News NI has now seen a leaked copy of the report, which lays bare bullying allegations and claims of a lack of trust among Belfast Trust said its cardiac unit was "clinically safe with excellent outcomes". Some 70 staff spoke anonymously and the report states there are "clear tensions" between different groups of report also detailed the throwing of instruments during surgery as well as "verbal abuse", which in one case had resulted in an incident report in recent months."This behaviour is ongoing at the time of writing this report and was widely reported by all who worked in the theatre environment," it added."Whilst there is one consultant who is particularly prone to throwing instruments in theatre, we were told that this behaviour is not unique."Staff described that the most common triggers for criticism were based around equipment and staffing. These patterns of behaviours were reported by staff as occurring on a predictable and repeated basis."The report said nursing staff presented an "invaluable source of observation of behaviours and practice within the department, as they are independent of the apparent power battle which has been unfolding between senior consultant medical factions"."It is the nursing staff in theatres who have borne the brunt of the bullying environment that all staff have been exposed to…"Members of all professional groups interviewed reported that the atmosphere in theatres was tense and that some felt this pressure more than others."It went on to say: "This precipitated some completely unacceptable behaviours, that were widely reported as being predominantly directed at the nursing staff, particularly more junior nurses."More junior medical staff also experience a particularly challenging time at the hands of some consultants, and it is our impression that few staff groups are completely spared." 'Shocking and indefensible' The report also referenced powerful quotes from interviews with staff, including: "Nurses are often piggy in the middle, trying to referee disputes between surgeons and anaesthetists" and "I feel I have a target on my back".In one section of the report, one occasion was outlined where a management decision resulted in a brief period of unannounced absence by four of the cardiac described the unit as being in "chaos" and said "even patients who had been prepped for theatre were cancelled as nursing staff tried to get hold of the consultants".In its conclusion, the report says the department is safe based on metrics, such as mortality data. However, it goes on to say that cultural issues in the unit represent a significant risk to patient safety."We do believe, however, that there are areas where patients are placed at risk of harm, or where harm has occurred, as a result of tensions, poor behaviours and a severe reluctance amongst staff to raise concerns," the reviewers Belfast Trust said: "We are reassured that the independent external review contains a universal recognition of the technical competence and clinical skills of all staff who work there. "However, the trust fully acknowledges that the details in this independent review are appalling and the behaviour described within it is shocking and indefensible."On Tuesday, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt described the situation as "appalling" and said behaviours must unit is a regional service for patients across Northern Ireland, with almost 1,000 operations carried out every year.
BBC News
27-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
NI health: Behaviour of some heart surgeons 'appalling', says Mike Nesbitt
A report detailing a culture of poor behaviour by some heart surgeons at Northern Ireland's cardiac surgery unit is "appalling", Stormont's health minister has paper, first reported by UTV, raised serious concerns within the unit and said the issues had led to a "significant risk to patient safety". On Tuesday, Mike Nesbitt said there had clearly been a "bad breakdown in relationships" among senior members of the team and that the report's findings were "entirely unacceptable".In a statement, the Belfast Trust acknowledges that "staff have felt hurt and unable to speak out" and said it is "committed to making changes which we have begun implementing". The independent inspectors were brought in last December to review the cardiac surgery unit, which is based at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, is a regional service for patients across Northern 1,000 operations are carried out by the trust's cardiac surgery unit every Upper Bann assembly member (MLA) Diane Dodds said the report had shown a "litany of problems".She said at one point, an operation had to be cancelled because of "interpersonal differences in theatre" between surgical staff, and that relations had broken down so badly that four surgeons were working from home. The report also found in one dispute staff said they feared violence would break out between colleagues putting patients at 70 staff who spoke to the review as whistle-blowers said some acted inappropriately in dealing with told the assembly that he plans to meet the chair of the Belfast Trust to assess why the issues had been allowed to go on for so also said he expected to see meaningful change as a result of the review."I have never come across anything like this in my first year in post... it is rare but it's incredibly important and it is a very worrying time," said the SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin said her son-in-law is waiting for open heart surgery and that she was "flabbergasted" at the contents of the told the assembly that he was unaware of any resulting disciplinaries from the review but he would follow up when he meets the Belfast Trust.A spokesperson for the Belfast Trust said it is "appalled by the staff experiences described" in the review."While we are reassured that the cardiac surgery service remains clinically safe with excellent outcomes, we accept that there have been behaviours which, at times, have made for an intolerable working environment."However we accept that behaviours must change."We owe it to our staff and the patients they care for to get this right. Belfast Trust has accepted the recommendations of the independent external review and is working swiftly to take these forward."
Sunday World
18-05-2025
- Sunday World
Man left for dead makes miracle return to GAA club after brutal attack
Charles Dooher was critically injured after being attacked by five masked men with bats at his home in Lifford in January A young man left fighting for his life after a brutal attack in Co Donegal is on the road to a remarkable recovery. Charles Dooher was critically injured after being attacked by five masked men with bats at his home in Lifford in January. The 26-year-old was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where his family kept a 'round-the-clock vigil praying for his recovery. He has numerous operations including having a metal plate fixed inside his head following the horrendous attack at Coneyburrow Road on January 20th last. An investigation into the attack was upgraded to an attempted murder investigation such was the extent of Charles' injuries. Two men were arrested in January by the PSNI in Derry as part of the investigation but were later released on bail. Charles Dooher has made a remarkable recovery News in 90 Seconds - May 18th But all the time Charles clung on and fought for his life. This week family and friends were left delighted when the popular young man returned to his local GAA club in Lifford to catch up with his teammates again. A club spokesperson said they were delighted to see Charles back and hoped it wouldn't be long before he donned his club jersey once again. Charles was accompanied to the game with his loyal girlfriend Charlotte Gallen who has been with him every step of the way of his recovery alongside Charles' family. A club spokesperson said "The sun was shining in Lifford tonight, the team had a magnificent victory, but more importantly it was fantastic to see this man accompanied by Charlotte standing watching from the sidelines. "Charles had the fight of his life this past number of months and has come through one hell of a battle and still has a long long way to go but one step at a time and it'll be no time till he's back in the black and amber himself. "One thing is for sure if having him on the sidelines inspires the team to more victories like tonight we'll be chauffeuring him to every game from now on." Meanwhile, Charles' family continue to search for justice and to find the men who almost cost him his life. They recently called on the public on both sides of the border for any information to be passed to Lifford Garda Station, the PSNI at Maydown, or if they prefer in the first instance, to Madden & Finucane Solicitors in Derry or Belfast. ENDS
Belfast Telegraph
14-05-2025
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
NI man who survived boiler explosion after being carried to safety by his son meets emergency crews there that night
Mark Drysdale was seriously injured in an unforeseen tragedy on December 14, 2022, when a back boiler connected to the family's open fire exploded in their Carrickfergus home. His wife, Deborah, recalled the night that her youngest son, was forced to rescue his father in the aftermath of the explosion. 'The sheer chaos that ensued seemed insurmountable, with the house exploding out before our oldest son's eyes with shrapnel and glass just missing him as he walked towards the house,' she said. 'Also inside the house, amidst the turmoil, our youngest son Joshua, then just 10 years old, displayed an extraordinary act of bravery and love. "With strength beyond his years, he carried his father from the wreckage, setting the stage for what would become a testament to resilience and the power of human compassion.' While Joshua's quick actions got Mark to safety, Deborah said it was the critical intervention by the Air Ambulance staff which ultimately saved Mark's life. 'It was like a bomb scene from a movie with smoke, lights and sirens everywhere, with all of the emergency services trying to help,' she continued. "But it was the Air Ambulance Helicopter Emergency Medical Service team, whose swift and decisive actions literally saved Mark's life. "On our very street, in amongst the chaos, they intubated him in the ambulance, stabilizing his condition before transporting him to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. 'Their relentless dedication did not waver as they continued to work tirelessly on Mark, ensuring he was safely transferred to the ICU in an induced coma." While it has been two years since that tragic night, Mark's recovery is still ongoing. His wife Deborah said that the 'emotional scars have been harder to mend'. "The first year was particularly challenging, testing the limits of Mark's mental health," she explained. "In these trying times we have been blessed with the support of Dr Keith Kerrigan, from the Clinical Health Psychology at the Belfast Trust. "Dr Kerrigan's compassionate guidance has been nothing short of a godsend, helping us navigate the tumultuous waters of his emotional recovery.' In a bid to give back to those who helped save his life, Mark has thrown his support behind the Air Ambulance. In 2023, he joined pupils from Carrickfergus Model Primary School for a sponsored walk, and earlier this year he completed the charity's Step Up Challenge – walking 10,000 steps each day in January. He now hopes to take on the Air Ambulance marathon walk alongside his brother in the near future. Deborah said: 'These activities although physically challenging have motivated Mark and our family to focus on the positive and try to keep moving forward and raise as much money and awareness for those who might need lifesaving help in the future.' And since the explosion Mark has reunited with the emergency crews who were at the scene that night. In the run up to Christmas he and his family visited the Air Ambulance base to personally thank the medics who saved his life. 'Mark's story is one of resilience, courage, and the determination to keep going,' Deborah said. 'Through each step, each encounter, and each expression of thanks, we try to move our family closer to a place of peace. We are forever indebted to everyone who has helped us through this traumatic journey.'
Belfast Telegraph
14-05-2025
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
Carrickfergus man who survived explosion after being carried to safety by his son meets emergency crews there that night
Mark Drysdale was seriously injured in an unforeseen tragedy on December 14, 2022, when a back boiler connected to the family's open fire exploded in their Carrickfergus home. His wife, Deborah, recalled the night that her youngest son, was forced to rescue his father in the aftermath of the explosion. 'The sheer chaos that ensued seemed insurmountable, with the house exploding out before our oldest son's eyes with shrapnel and glass just missing him as he walked towards the house,' she said. 'Also inside the house, amidst the turmoil, our youngest son Joshua, then just 10 years old, displayed an extraordinary act of bravery and love. "With strength beyond his years, he carried his father from the wreckage, setting the stage for what would become a testament to resilience and the power of human compassion.' While Joshua's quick actions got Mark to safety, Deborah said it was the critical intervention by the Air Ambulance staff which ultimately saved Mark's life. 'It was like a bomb scene from a movie with smoke, lights and sirens everywhere, with all of the emergency services trying to help,' she continued. "But it was the Air Ambulance Helicopter Emergency Medical Service team, whose swift and decisive actions literally saved Mark's life. "On our very street, in amongst the chaos, they intubated him in the ambulance, stabilizing his condition before transporting him to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. 'Their relentless dedication did not waver as they continued to work tirelessly on Mark, ensuring he was safely transferred to the ICU in an induced coma." While it has been two years since that tragic night, Mark's recovery is still ongoing. His wife Deborah said that the 'emotional scars have been harder to mend'. "The first year was particularly challenging, testing the limits of Mark's mental health," she explained. "In these trying times we have been blessed with the support of Dr Keith Kerrigan, from the Clinical Health Psychology at the Belfast Trust. "Dr Kerrigan's compassionate guidance has been nothing short of a godsend, helping us navigate the tumultuous waters of his emotional recovery.' In a bid to give back to those who helped save his life, Mark has thrown his support behind the Air Ambulance. In 2023, he joined pupils from Carrickfergus Model Primary School for a sponsored walk, and earlier this year he completed the charity's Step Up Challenge – walking 10,000 steps each day in January. He now hopes to take on the Air Ambulance marathon walk alongside his brother in the near future. Deborah said: 'These activities although physically challenging have motivated Mark and our family to focus on the positive and try to keep moving forward and raise as much money and awareness for those who might need lifesaving help in the future.' And since the explosion Mark has reunited with the emergency crews who were at the scene that night. In the run up to Christmas he and his family visited the Air Ambulance base to personally thank the medics who saved his life. 'Mark's story is one of resilience, courage, and the determination to keep going,' Deborah said. 'Through each step, each encounter, and each expression of thanks, we try to move our family closer to a place of peace. We are forever indebted to everyone who has helped us through this traumatic journey.'
