In the late summer of 2008, serious concerns were raised by family members of two patients – the late Ann Moriarty and the late Edel Kelly – about the potential risks to the health and welfare of patients at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital (MWRH) Ennis, following the treatment that their family members had received.

The Investigation did not set out to undertake a forensic investigation of each of these patients’ care. However, the experiences of all the families who came forward informed the investigation and helped to shape the review of the quality and safety of services provided in MWRH Ennis. The Investigation Team met with and interviewed seven families of patients, and or patients, at the outset of the investigation.

The investigation consisted of a review of clinical practices, systems and processes within the services covered by the Terms of Reference. This included a documentation review, at both local and national level, site visits to MWRH Ennis, data analysis, and interviews with patients and their relatives as well as with clinical and non-clinical health services staff.