An update to the shocking revelation that the Health Service Executive (HSE) of Ireland employed Dr. Alaaeddin Almassri, a Palestinian doctor suspended for forgery and prescription misuse. Despite prior warnings from the Medical Council to HSE’s Chief Executive, Bernard Gloster, Dr. Almassri was hired as a registrar in Emergency Medicine at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan. The new information reveals an even deeper level of negligence within the HSE’s hiring practices and has intensified calls for immediate investigations and accountability.

New Details on Dr. Almassri’s Misconduct

Fresh insights have emerged regarding Dr. Almassri’s actions at Mercy University Hospital (MUH) in Cork, where he was reported to the Medical Council for forging prescriptions and using fake names to obtain highly addictive drugs. Pharmacists raised red flags due to the unusually high dosages prescribed under his name. It has now been confirmed that Dr. Almassri admitted to these actions, citing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a personal tragedy in Gaza. His suspension began on June 17, 2024, yet he managed to secure employment at Navan Hospital weeks later.

HSE’s Hiring Oversight Exposed

New information confirms that the Medical Council had directly informed HSE’s CEO, Bernard Gloster, of Dr. Almassri’s suspension on June 20, 2024—prior to his start date at Navan Hospital. The hospital’s Human Resources Manager, Melanie O’Rourke, disclosed that Dr. Almassri failed to mention his suspension during his interview on May 20, 2024, or when he signed his contract on June 17, 2024—the very day his suspension commenced. The hospital terminated his contract on July 24, 2024, citing a breach of contract.

New Reactions from Political Figures

In light of these new revelations, Irish political leaders have intensified their criticism of the HSE:

• Independent TD Carol Nolan has described the incident as a catastrophic failure of oversight and called for an immediate investigation to identify how such a breach occurred despite direct warnings to senior HSE officials.
• Aontú leader and Meath West TD, Peadar Tóibín criticized HSE management, stating that the employment of a suspended doctor represents a grave threat to patient safety and an unacceptable level of negligence.
• Sinn Féin TD Darren O’Rourke reiterated his call for a full investigation, emphasizing that voluntary disclosure is insufficient for ensuring patient safety and that systemic reforms in HSE’s vetting processes are urgently needed.

HSE’s Response and New Developments

The HSE has acknowledged that Dr. Almassri was employed from July 8 to July 19, 2024. However, a spokeswoman for the HSE claimed that no adverse patient safety incidents were identified during this period. Critics argue that this response is inadequate given the severity of the allegations and the direct warning from the Medical Council. Calls for an independent audit of the HSE’s hiring practices are growing louder.

Wider Implications for the HSE

New data shows that medical negligence litigation against the HSE has skyrocketed, with costs rising from €74 million in 2010 to nearly €360 million in 2022. The total cost over the past decade has approached €3 billion, highlighting systemic flaws in oversight and accountability. This case has amplified public distrust and raised urgent questions about the integrity of HSE’s internal controls.

This latest update underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and comprehensive reforms within the HSE. The employment of Dr. Almassri despite his suspension reveals profound systemic weaknesses that must be addressed to restore public trust and ensure patient safety. As investigations proceed, the focus must remain on preventing similar breaches in the future.

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