HSE places restriction on Cavan consultant

A consultant at Cavan General Hospital has said he is co- operating fully with a review ordered by the Health Service Executive.

The HSE placed restrictions on the practice of emergency medicine consultant Jeremy Johnston after concerns were raised by fellow staff.

The issues raised have been referred by the HSE to the Medical Council, it is understood.

Cavan General Hospital is currently the subject of an investigation following the death of a baby boy during birth in late April, but this case is unrelated.

Pending the completion of the review, Dr Johnston has been told to work daytime hours only, not to do emergency on-call work and not to see patients on his own.

'Pending a review'
"The HSE can confirm that a consultant in the Cavan-Monaghan Hospital has had restrictions placed on their practice pending a review," a spokesman confirmed. "The review does not relate to any specific case."

Asked if the issues were referred to the Medical Council, he declined to comment.

In a statement from the Medical Protection Society, which indemnifies doctors, Dr Johnston said: “I am co-operating fully with the hospital’s review and continue to provide the best possible care to my patients”. He added: “It would be inappropriate for me to comment any further whilst the review is ongoing.”

Dr Johnston has a specialist registration in emergency medicine. He holds bachelor of medicine and surgery degrees from Queen's University Belfast, where he was conferred in 1997.