An investigation into a distressing video appearing to show a healthcare worker being disrespectful towards an elderly patient has found the video does not show the patient who was identified in media reports and the incident did not occur at University Hospital Limerick.
HSE Mid West conducted an investigation into the video, which was widely circulated on social media and subsequently reported by local and national media.
It confirmed that the video did not occur at UHL or any HSE Mid West facility and does not involve a member of UHL or HSE Mid West staff.
HSE Mid West said the hospital where the incident actually occurred has confirmed that the footage originated there.
The patient involved has been identified and the family concerned has been informed.
HSE Mid West said it has informed the family whose relative was incorrectly identified in media reports that the video does not show their family member and is not footage from UHL.
It said from the outset, it had made clear that the location, date and circumstances of the footage had not been verified, and that work was under way to establish the facts.
That process has now concluded and the findings were communicated to the families concerned.
It is understood the incident had an enormous impact on staff at UHL, who faced criticism when the video was publicised.
A spokesperson for HSE Mid West said: “What is shown in the footage is deeply upsetting, concerns about the treatment of vulnerable patients must always be taken seriously and properly investigated.
“Our responsibility was to establish the facts before drawing conclusions about the patient, the healthcare worker or the hospital.
“That process has now been completed.
“The facts are clear: this was not a UHL or HSE Mid West incident and did not involve our staff.
“We are particularly concerned about the impact on staff across the Mid West, many of whom were subjected to criticism, abuse and threats in relation to an incident for which they had no involvement or responsibility.
“Scrutiny of healthcare services is legitimate and necessary; abuse and threats are not.”
The spokesperson added: “Our focus throughout has been on establishing the facts, protecting the dignity and privacy of the patients and families involved, and supporting our staff.
“We believe that was, and remains, the responsible approach.”
Woman who shared video ‘deeply sorry for geting this wrong’
A woman who shared the video on social media has issued an apology this evening, saying she “genuinely believed” it showed her late mother, who died a year ago.
Following the investigation, she said she now accepts the person who featured in the video was not her mother.
“I am deeply sorry for getting this wrong,” she said.
“When I first saw the video, myself and my family genuinely and wholeheartedly believed the woman was our mother. We wholeheartedly apologise for the upset caused.”