Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is open to giving a public apology to the parents of Aoife Johnston, who died at the University Hospital Limerick (UHL) at the age of 16. A report by Mr Justice Frank Clarke found that her death was ‘almost certainly avoidable’ but highlighted conflicting evidence regarding patient flow protocols. Donnelly and HSE CEO Bernard Gloster have apologized to the family, but Donnelly is willing to offer a more public apology if requested. Despite calls for a statutory inquiry, he is hesitant due to ongoing inquiries into UHL employees. An upcoming HIQA report may recommend opening a second emergency department in the region. 208 additional beds are being constructed at UHL.
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