Campaigners for O’Brien call for inquiry into Southern Trust

Mr O’Brien is to be the subject of a public inquiry ordered by Health Minister Robin Swann after the Southern Health Trust issued a recall of some of his patients.

Supporters of Mr O’Brien have claimed the review and inquiry came after the retired consultant submitted a number of ‘grievances’ against the Southern Health Trust.

Among those supporting Mr O’Brien is highly respected GP Fred McSorley. He wrote on the campaign website: “As a recently retired GP in the Southern Trust I had many opportunities to witness the way Mr O’Brien treated my patients. The message I was getting from them was of a polite, communicative doctor who was doing his best to care for them in a compassionate and honest manner. The fact that this feedback remained so consistent over three decades is indeed worthy of note.”

Another colleague, Noeleen Daly, who worked as a nurse with Mr O’Brien wrote: “I have known him to be a complete gentleman, hardworking, meticulous, professional and absolutely exemplary in his field. He is renowned for his dedication towards his patients and has shown nothing but high standards throughout his career, I wish him all the best and think that questioning his lifelong career as a consultant is beyond outrageous, I sincerely hope Aidan can see these comments and know how valued and respected he is, and eventually get the peace in his retirement he fully deserves.”

A former teacher of Mr O’Brien is one of hundreds who has voiced support for the retired doctor and has called for an inquiry into the grievances Mr O’Brien brought before the Trust.

The teacher described Mr O’Brien as a man with the ‘utmost integrity’ and has expressed concern that the Trust may be attempting to tarnish his reputation. He is also confused as to why the Health Minister was so quick to announce a public inquiry.

He said that Mr O’Brien was acting as a whistle blower and believes the Trust is pushing for a public inquiry to silence him.

“There has never been a patient complaint against him in all his years at the Trust.”

He believes doctors and nurses in Craigavon Hospital are afraid to speak out in case the Trust takes action against them also.

And he added said there has been enormous support for Mr O’Brien from other consultants, professors, teaching nurses and others who are all willing to give testimonials in front of a public inquiry.

“They will say Mr O’Brien is an absolute gentleman, who worked until 11 or 12 o’clock every night and there are no patient complaints against him.”

-

-

-

Widower praises ‘kind and professional’ consultant who is subject of public inquiry Read the full story here-

-

-

Editor’s Message:

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.