We are not prepared for another Stardust
Surgeon’s warning on resources
THE only post-burns reconstructive surgeon in Ireland has warned the country is not prepared for another disaster like Stardust.
Consultant plastic surgeon Odhran Shelley, from St James’ Hospital in Dublin, also yesterday claimed the survivors of tragedies can be “marginalised”.
He said: “The care that burns victims need, both in the critical care phase and in recovery, is not adequately resourced in Ireland.
“We would truly struggle if there was going to be another disaster.
“It’s really important to realise that disasters can’t be predicted but they can be planned for.
“The Government needs to look and ensure that this area of healthcare is resourced properly. At present, it isn’t.
We need supports to deliver acute care. We need therapists.
“We all recognise the huge psychological impact that having a disfigurement can have.
“There isn’t even a psychologist funded to support the burns unit.
“A lot of healthcare workers are providing services to burns victims but it is not their main job.
“They are doing it to help out, not because the Government has funded it.
“Victims are disadvantaged twice. They have the blow of the injury and then I do think they are being marginalised afterwards. They’re often invisible.”
Mr Shelley spoke out following the inquest into the deaths of all 48 victims who died in the St Valentine’s disco fire at the Stardust nightclub in Artane, North Dublin in 1981.
The coroners court jury said all of those who died were unlawfully killed.
Two days after the verdict, Taoiseach Simon Harris “apologised unreservedly” to the victims’ loved ones.
Mr Shelley wrote a letter for the Taoiseach and said he was “right to apologise”.
Some medical experts think the inquest could be a watershed moment for burns care. Mr Shelley said: “We need reconstructive interventions and that can include laser surgery, scar massage and so on.
“The service struggles to deliver that. We need investment.
“I am the only surgeon, nationally, doing that [post-burns reconstructive surgery] and that is not sustainable.
“We absolutely have to have more surgeons in burns care and burns reconstruction.
“Mr Harris and his Government would do well to reflect on how little they have done to address the real needs of those affected by burns injuries.”