MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE

Heartfelt apology for mother whose precious baby died due to failure in care

My client gave birth prematurely to a healthy baby at University Maternity Hospital Limerick in 2021.

Within two weeks of his birth, her baby was diagnosed with meningitis caused by E-coli. He was commenced on antibiotics and responded well. Unfortunately, however, he deteriorated drastically some weeks later and was diagnosed with recurrent meningitis. He was caused to be intubated and ventilated. He developed diabetes and associated hypernatremia. He suffered seizures. He developed sepsis and an MRI demonstrated injury to baby’s brain caused by deprivation of oxygen. It was decided that he would not benefit from further medical intervention and he was discharged for palliative care provided by the wonderful hospice nurses within my client’s home. He passed peacefully in his mother’s arms.

Thereafter, my client was haunted by questions regarding her precious baby’s death. She suffered enormously, from a psychological perspective. She could not understand how things had gone so drastically wrong.

Following investigations, experts identified a number of failures in care- particularly the fact that antibiotics were discontinued prematurely in circumstances where my client’s baby continued to show signs of infection. Had a repeat lumbar puncture been performed at that point, it was likely that it would have demonstrated persisting infection and adaptations to the baby’s antibiotic regimen would have been introduced to ensure sterility and a full recovery.

A full Defence was filed on behalf of the HSE – all failures of care and resulting injury were fully denied.

My client had always told me that it would mean so much to her to receive an apology from the Hospital, an acceptance that she ought never have lost her precious baby, as she felt that would bring her peace. She felt that she could rest easier knowing acknowledgments of failure had been made to ensure improvements in care.

Following mediation, we achieved that objective for this brave, kind-hearted lady. The CEO of the Hospital acknowledged a breach of duty with devastating consequences and offered heartfelt condolences for her loss. On the morning we traveled to Dublin to apply to the Court for the ruling of the solatium aspect of the settlement, which is the statutory aspect of the claim, providing statutory compensation for pain and suffering caused to dependants of the deceased, she noticed a huge rainbow at the train station. She took it as a sign from heaven that her baby was so proud of her. I have no doubt that is true. We hope that the resolution of proceedings brings her the peace that she deserves.

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/university-maternity-hospital-limerick-apologises-to-mother-of-baby-who-died-1777718.html

https://www.waterford-news.ie/university-maternity-hospital-limerick-apologises-to-mother-of-baby-who-died_arid-62519.html

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/06/26/limerick-hospital-apologises-in-high-court-for-babys-death-at-16-weeks-old/

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to medical negligence, contact Brigid to discuss your concerns. Brigid O’Donnell Solicitor is a native of Cashel, Tipperary. She established Brigid O’Donnell Solicitors, with offices in Clonmel, Tipperary and Cork city in August 2023. She represents clients who have suffered injuries due to accidents, or medical negligence, nationwide. She is happy to facilitate remote consultations or to meet with clients at a time and place convenient to you, outside of office hours if required.