Woman (89) settles action against Blackrock Clinic cardiologists

An 89-year old woman has settled a High Court action over alleged failures in carrying out corrective surgery when a tear to her oesophagus occurred following a procedure at Blackrock Clinic in Dublin. The settlement was made without admission of liability.

Teresa Vaughan claimed more than 50 hours passed before she was transferred from the Blackrock facility for corrective surgery at another city hospital.

Mrs Vaughan, of Richmond, Templemore, Co Tipperary, yesterday settled her action against two consultant cardiologists at Blackrock Clinic, Peter Crean and Ross Murphy. The settlement was without admission of liability.

Ms Vaughan’s case against the Blackrock Clinic Ltd, operators of hospital, was struck out.

Mrs Vaughan, a widow with five adult children, was admitted on April 11th, 2011, for the management and treatment of a cardiac condition. This involved a procedure to assess the condition of her heart during which, it was claimed, her oesophagus was perforated.

She claimed there was an alleged failure to identify this quickly or otherwise in good time. She also alleged failure to take all reasonable steps to ensure remedial surgery was was carried out immediately.

The claims were denied.

Dr John O’Mahony, for Mrs Vaughan, said, for 51 hours after her oesophagus was injured, she suffered very considerable difficulties. She coughed up blood and her blood pressure dropped which was an indicator something was really amiss, he said.

It was contended a scan should have been carried out at this stage and, had it been, would have shown the problem ultimately found hours later. There were a number of red lights which flagged there was difficulty in the chest area, counsel said.

Their case would be that diagnosis of a tear to oesophagus was delayed significantly.

Ms Vaughan was operated on in St James Hospital on April 14th, 51 hours after she first had the oesophagus tear, and she was in very poor condition, counsel said. Her family were told in St James she might not survive surgery and two of her children travelled home from abroad.

The operation was a success but Mrs Vaughan was in hospital and rehabilitation until August 2011 and for a time could not talk, counsel added.