The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is conducting an investigation about how a man died in hospital after he was given the wrong blood
A man has opened up about the death of his husband, who died at the Royal Victoria Hospital after receiving a transfusion of the wrong blood type.
Charlie Begley, who was 55 years old when he lost his life on January 23, told his partner, David O’Prey, he was scared of dying just days before he passed away. Mr Begley died roughly two months after he was given incompatible blood.
Mr O’Prey, 66, from South Belfast was the partner of Mr Begley for 36 years and the pair had been married for the last eight years. Both men had previously been employed in a hospital in Belfast, and Mr O’Prey is now seeking answers about how this happened.
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He believes the incident shortened his husband’s life. An investigation by the trust is currently underway after a Level Two Serious Adverse Incident was declared.
Speaking to Belfast Live, the bereaved man said: “You go in the hospital to get fit and get back on your feet, not to get the wrong blood. On January 21, Charlie said to me, ‘David, I am scared, I think I am going to die.’ I need the person or people who did this to be held accountable, I can’t have them doing this to someone else.
“My partner can’t speak for himself because he is dead but I am not going away, the trust needs to give me answers. I am sitting here with my husband’s ashes in the house, the hospital has shortened my husband’s life.
“I can’t bring my husband back but maybe someone else can be helped from this situation — It’s not right, my voice needs to be heard. If I didn’t do anything and sat here being quiet and someone else had this happen, I could not live with myself. I can’t sleep now, I don’t want anyone else to suffer.”
The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust confirmed there is an ongoing investigation taking place.
A spokesperson for the Trust said: “Belfast Trust has identified some areas of concern regarding Mr Begley’s care and treatment and has notified a Serious Adverse Incident principally regarding administration of an incorrect blood product.
“We understand this is a difficult time for Mr Begley’s family and offer our sincerest sympathies. It would not be appropriate to comment further while a review is underway.”
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