Galway Bay fm newsroom – The umbrella hospital group Saolta is being accused of fostering ‘a culture of secrecy and denial’ over the case of an alleged whistleblower at UHG.
The claim concerns a member of UHG’s Patient Council, who was asked to re-consider their position after passing confidential information to media in an email entitled ‘Galway hospital story tip’.
The information related to a controversial new 75 bed block under construction at UHG – and it’s claimed the information contradicts Saolta’s claim that the extension will add 25 to 30 new beds.
Regional Health Forum member Councillor Padraig Conneely has likened the situation to that of Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe – and accused Saolta of being heavy handed.
However, the use of the term ‘whistleblower’ was strongly denied by Saolta – who say that the person was asked to reconsider their position due to breaching confidentiality agreements.
Councillor Conneely is unimpressed with the response – he says he believes the person was punished for acting in the public interest.