The General Manager of Letterkenny University Hospital has apologised after failings during the birth of a baby boy caused life-changing trauma.
An interim settlement of €2.5million was approved today for Jack McGahern Donaghey, of Drumfergus, Killygordon, who suffered an irreversible brain injury and has cerebral palsy as a result of complications during his birth, RTE News reports.
The High Court heard that Jack suffered a lack of oxygen to his brain during his birth on 5th August 2015.
His parents Denise McGahern and Seamus Donaghey sued the hospital over the management of his birth.
They said there was a failure to monitor, read or interpret the CTG during labour and a failure to anticipate the need for resuscitation immediately after birth.
The court heard that Jack, now aged four, requires 24/7 care, has limited movement and speech, and needs help with feeding and dressing.
General Manager Sean Murphy issued an apology, which was read in the High Court. Mr Murphy expressed “sincere apologies for the failings that caused the injuries to Jack and the consequential trauma suffered” by him and his parents.
The letter added that the hospital “understands that neither this apology nor the financial compensation granted by the court can negate the continuing heartache that the McGahern Donaghey family must feel every day and appreciate that this continues to be a very difficult time for you.”
The HSE agreed to an interim settlement of €2.5m for a period of ten years for Jack’s care needs. Mr Justice Kevin Cross said the case would return to court to agree on an overall settlement in ten year’s time.
Read more at: www.rte.ie/news/courts/2019/1220/1102367-jack-mcgahern/