Ronan Hynes, Partner in the Clinical Negligence Team at MHP Sellors LLP, recently represented Christina Kelly from Limerick in the High Court and secured letters of apology and an out of Court settlement for life changing injuries. Christina suffered a significant delay in diagnosis of her glaucoma which rendered her completely blind in her left eye. The delay in diagnosis was further compounded when Christina underwent an unnecessary hysterectomy in December 2019. The settlement was brokered after extensive negotiations in the High Court in Dublin following unsuccessful mediation talks. The HSE and another party fought the case for 5 years but eventually conceded liability just 3 days prior to trial.

Commenting upon the settlement, Ronan Hynes said that:

“We very much welcome today’s confidential settlement and the apologies for the failings in Christina’s medical care.

This was a life changing event and demonstrates why patients like Christina need the introduction of the Patient Safety Bill without any further delay.

Had there been open disclosure of this event, Christina would simply not have had an unnecessary hysterectomy.

Today’s settlement will help fund the cost of future surgery for Christina, give her access to assistive technology, and above all, ensure that she will have all the care and supports that she needs for the rest of her life.”

Christina commented:

“I am relieved and pleased with today’s confidential settlement and the apologies received from both the HSE and my former, General Practitioner. It was soul destroying that the Defendants fought my case for the past 5 years yet admitted liability only days before trial.

The delay in diagnosis of my glaucoma and unnecessary hysterectomy have broken my trust in our healthcare system.

I want to thank my solicitor, Ronan Hynes, and the team at MHP Sellors for their expertise and support over the past 5 years.”

If you would like more information on healthcare related matters, please contact Ronan Hynes, Partner in our Clinical Negligence Team on 061 414355 or alternatively via email on [email protected]