A letter of apology from Children’s Health Ireland for shortcomings in the care of a Dublin teenager with severe and poorly-controlled asthma, who died following a severe attack while waiting over four years to see a specialist consultant, has been read out in the High Court.
Killian Burnett, 15, from Finglas who died at Connolly hospital in Blanchardstown in March 2022 had four cancelled appointments between his first referral to see a consultant in respiratory medicine in December 2017 and his death.
A settlement, which was not disclosed in court, was also reached.
In November 2025, an inquest had found that Killian had died due to medical misadventure noting there had been “missed opportunities” to treat his “unstable, severe asthma”.
It heard that Killian lost interest in sport and was regularly sent home from school because he was complaining of chest pains.
His father had said that his son also became afraid to go to sleep as he would suffer an average of two asthma attacks every night.
At the High Court today a letter issued on behalf of CHI was read out apologising for shortcomings in the care of Killian.
Killian’s father had said that his son also became afraid to go to sleep
The court heard the circumstances leading up to Killian’s death were witnessed by his father and two brothers.
His older brother Jordan Burnett spoke outside the High Court.
“Today is about Killian honouring him, remembering him and making sure what happened to him is never forgotten,” Mr Burnett said.
Judge Paul Coffey offered his condolences to the Burnett family.