Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The GHA has purchased a second CT scanner and says it has strengthened trauma procedures following the death of a 55-year-old man in 2021. The GHA later accepted partial liability for his death following a civil claim.
The Health Authority says the new scanner should be operational within the next 12 months, while contingency arrangements are in place with a local imaging provider if its existing scanner is unavailable.
The 55-year-old died two days after being seriously injured in a road traffic collision on Queensway Road in April 2021.
The Coroner concluded that his death was a direct result of injuries sustained in the collision, with a delay in recognising internal bleeding contributing to his death.
Three recommendations were subsequently made to the GHA. These included regular and thorough testing of protocols likely to be used in critical situations; ensuring records are kept confirming staff have read and understood important protocols; and establishing procedures for when essential equipment, such as a CT scanner, is not functioning.
In response to GBC questions, the GHA said it had carefully considered the recommendations, with some measures already in place before the inquest and others subsequently strengthened.
It adds staff preparedness is tested through training exercises, clinical case reviews and practical training. The European Trauma Course has also been introduced.
Clinical staff receive training on procedures as part of their induction and can access clinical guidelines and protocols digitally while treating patients.
The GHA also has an agreement with a local provider to ensure CT scans remain available if its own scanner is out of service. A second CT scanner has also been purchased and is expected to become operational within the next 12 months.
The GHA says clear procedures are in place to ensure senior doctors are involved quickly in urgent or complex cases.
Operational changes have also been made to ensure radiologists discuss and follow up scan results directly with the responsible consultant.
The effectiveness of these measures is monitored through incident reports, audits, case reviews and patient outcomes.
The GHA said patient safety remains its highest priority and extended its condolences to the man’s family.
Katy Docker reports.
The GHA has purchased a second CT scanner and says it has strengthened trauma procedures following the death of a 55-year-old man in 2021. The GHA later accepted partial liability for his death following a civil claim.
The Health Authority says the new scanner should be operational within the next 12 months, while contingency arrangements are in place with a local imaging provider if its existing scanner is unavailable.
The 55-year-old died two days after being seriously injured in a road traffic collision on Queensway Road in April 2021.
The Coroner concluded that his death was a direct result of injuries sustained in the collision, with a delay in recognising internal bleeding contributing to his death.
Three recommendations were subsequently made to the GHA. These included regular and thorough testing of protocols likely to be used in critical situations; ensuring records are kept confirming staff have read and understood important protocols; and establishing procedures for when essential equipment, such as a CT scanner, is not functioning.
In response to GBC questions, the GHA said it had carefully considered the recommendations, with some measures already in place before the inquest and others subsequently strengthened.
It adds staff preparedness is tested through training exercises, clinical case reviews and practical training. The European Trauma Course has also been introduced.
Clinical staff receive training on procedures as part of their induction and can access clinical guidelines and protocols digitally while treating patients.
The GHA also has an agreement with a local provider to ensure CT scans remain available if its own scanner is out of service. A second CT scanner has also been purchased and is expected to become operational within the next 12 months.
The GHA says clear procedures are in place to ensure senior doctors are involved quickly in urgent or complex cases.
Operational changes have also been made to ensure radiologists discuss and follow up scan results directly with the responsible consultant.
The effectiveness of these measures is monitored through incident reports, audits, case reviews and patient outcomes.
The GHA said patient safety remains its highest priority and extended its condolences to the man’s family.
Katy Docker reports.
