01 September 2011
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Anne Pryke, has issued this statement following the inquest into the death of Elizabeth Rourke:
"Elizabeth died tragically in 2006 during an operation undertaken at the hospital. Her death was a source of great sorrow to her family, friends and colleagues and resulted in a police investigation, manslaughter trial and GMC hearing.
"Following Elizabeth's death, the then Health and Social Services Minister, Senator James Perchard, commissioned Verita to undertake a wholly independent investigation into the circumstances that led to her death - including a detailed examination of her care and treatment. This was a decision which I supported when I became Health and Social Services Minister.
"Verita returned during the autumn of 2010 to undertake a review of the progress made by the Health and Social Services Department in relation to its recommendations. This review demonstrated that significant progress had been made.
"Lessons have been learned from Elizabeth's tragic death. I can assure Islanders that the work to keep up the high standard of care we offer not just in the hospital, but across Health and Social Services is ongoing. It goes above and beyond any review, and is part of our culture. Patient safety is, and always will be, our highest priority.
"Again, we offer our deepest sympathy to Elizabeth's family, friends and colleagues who remember her."
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