Judge to decide on damages in 2010 Cork Mercy Hospital death

Court heard the hospital had admitted liability in relation to postoperative care

A judge will decide later on the amount of damages a woman should receive over the death of her partner at Mercy University Hospital, Cork.

Yesterday in the High Court, Mr Justice Anthony Barr finished hearing evidence in the case brought by Geraldine Barry, Lakemarsh, Skibberreen, Co Cork.

Ms Barry sued the hospital over the postoperative care of her partner, Chris Sayer (70), who died in April 2010 from septic shock. She has also sued for nervous shock as a result of his death.

Mr Sayer, a jazz musician who suffered from cancer, had a colon operation at Mercy Hospital on March 11th, 2010. He became unwell on the evening of March 15th and developed septic shock due to a leak. He had further surgery on March 17th, 2010.

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It was claimed hospital staff did not act with due expedition in diagnosing and treating the leak.

Over the following weeks, Mr Sayer’s condition did not improve . He died on April 19th, 2010.

The court heard the hospital admitted liability in relation to Mr Sayer’s postoperative care, and the case was before the judge for assessment of damages only.