Patient Safety

PATIENT SAFETY

The necessity for the implementation of the Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023 arises yet again from circumstances outlined in a case which was settled in the High Court recently.

The case taken by Amanda and Aidan O’ Reilly arose from failings in the care of their newborn baby son Alfie who died at four days old after being born at Cork University Maternity Hospital.

Cork University Maternity Hospital gave an apology which expressed heartfelt sympathies and acknowledged the trauma experienced by Alfie's parents, Amanda and Aidan O'Reilly.    The O' Reillys criticised the apology for attempting to deflect blame and found the prolonged legal battle of almost 4 years distressing.

Amanda O’ Reilly told the High Court that they had to ask for an apology that it had come almost 4 years too late.    The apology attempts to refute liability.    

She told the High Court that this apology was insulting and that she and her husband did not accept it.  

In a statement outside the Four Courts, the O’ Reilly’s said that their son’s death and their legal battle has shattered their trust in the Health and Justice systems.     They can only ask that they treat families and their situation with more dignity in the future. 

 

For more detailed insights into how the Patient Safety Act 2023 impacts you and how Whelan Law can support you, please visit our Patient Safety Rights Legal Advice <https://www.whelanlaw.ie/services/advice-on-patient-safety-notifiable-incidents-and-open-disclosure-act-2023/