The family of a man who contracted swine flu while on remand at Cloverhill Prison in Dublin has expressed concern that he was not treated for the virus earlier.
John O’Connor (52), from Althumney Castle, Navan,
Co Meath, died at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, in March of last year after complications arising from his contracting the H1N1 virus two months earlier.
The deceased had been on remand at Cloverhill for 11 months when diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection by prison medics. It was not until he developed a fever on January 12th, 2010, causing his transfer from Cloverhill to Tallaght hospital, that swine flu became a consideration.
Yesterday Dublin Coroners’ Court heard a swab taken on his arrival at Tallaght had tested negative for all forms of flu. He was transferred to intensive care at Beaumont Hospital that day.
Coroner Dr Brian Farrell said the inquest could not speculate on when the virus was contracted.