The HSE has responded to claims that a porter at the Mid West Regional Hospital has the MRSA 'super-bug'.A HSE spokesperson has stressed that “hospital policy dictates that the medical records of both patients and staff are regarded as strictly confidential” but moved to allay any concerns.
“In the interest of maintaining public confidence in the service provided by the hospital we are permitted to state that the individual referred to has been examined by the Occupational Health Physician and deemed fit to work. He is at present assigned to duties that do not involve direct contact with patients,” the spokesperson told the Limerick Independent. It has been claimed that the man has been treated with antibiotics several times and has requested a transfer as he is himself concerned that he will infect a patient.
The support group, Patient Focus, criticised the HSE and a spokeswoman said she was “shocked” at the claims.
