Robin Swann orders review into Craigavon hospital outbreaks after fourth patient dies

Last week, the Southern Trust announced three patients who had been treated at the hospital’s haematology ward had subsequently died after testing positive for the virus.

A fourth patient died this morning.

Mr Swann, speaking in the Northern Ireland Assembly, announced that a Serious Adverse Incident Review would be carried out.

He said it will be “independently chaired” and that its findings will be made public.

This comes after the family of one of the patients who passed away last week demanded answers about how the virus got into the hospital.

A total of 14 patients at the hospital’s haematology ward had tested positive by Friday.

On Ward 3 South, two members of staff and one patient had tested positive, while 14 staff members are currently self-isolating.

Across the hospital, 56 staff connected with clusters were off work and self-isolating.

Mr Swann said: “I have been assured that everything that needs to be done in relation to infection control is being done.

“I can confirm that investigation will be in the form of a level three Serious Adverse Incident review which I have asked the Trust to initiate.”