Cork University Maternity Hospital has apologised to the parents of a baby boy for the circumstances of his birth and death at the hospital over five years ago.
Joanne Duggan and Fionn Bohane’s twin boys were born at the hospital on 21 January 2021.
Patrick was on life support after birth and died in his father’s arms the next day.
His twin brother CJ has cerebral palsy, cannot walk or talk, and has complex care needs.
It was claimed that a diagnosis of HELLP syndrome – which is a rare pregnancy complication that affects the blood and liver – should have been made and a caesarean section carried out.
CJ settled a High Court action with a €3.5 million interim pay-out in November last year.
Today, a High Court action over Patrick’s death was settled.
Patrick’s counsel, Oonah McCrann SC, instructed by Cantillons Solicitors, told the court it was a tragic case that had a profound impact on the family.
She said that Joanne had been isolated in a room on her own as it was during the Covid-19 pandemic and that she had had nobody to advocate for her.
Mr Bohane addressed the court, saying he could not even begin to explain the devastating impact the situation had had.
He said he was grateful it was sorted now and that they could move on with their lives.
He said they were grateful for the apology they have received and that CJ brought love and joy into their lives.
The judge said it was an unusually poignant and tragic case.
An apology letter from Dr Mairead O’Riordan, Clinical Director at Cork University Maternity Hospital, was read out in court.
She said that on behalf of the hospital she wished to extend her heartfelt sympathies to the boy’s parents.
She said the hospital was deeply sorry for the circumstances surrounding the birth.
Mr Bohane had sued the HSE on behalf of Patrick over the circumstances of his birth at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH).
In a statement, Mr Bohane said the hospital had failed to recognise the red-flag symptoms of a catastrophic emergency condition known as HELLP syndrome, a severe form of preeclampsia.
He said this had cost them the life of their son Patrick and was a life sentence for their son CJ.
Mr Bohane said CJ is the only thing that keeps them going through the grief they have suffered.
He said CJ is a beautiful five-year-old boy, who continues to smile despite the injuries he has suffered.
He said they will never get to see their son Patrick smile, and that this is something they will never get over.
He said the last five-and-a-half years have been very difficult for all of them and it is with regret they have had to fight for an apology.
A separate claim by Patrick’s mother Joanne has yet to come before the courts.