The family of a man who died at Naas General Hospital four years ago as a result of alleged negligence in his medical treatment has secured €800,000 damages in settlement of their High Court action. The settlement is without admission of liability by the hospital.
It was claimed that Joe Reid, a self-employed businessman then aged 37, went to the hospital with chickenpox in May 2003 and died because he should have been given anti-viral drugs but was not. It was claimed anti-viral drugs were required because Mr Reid's immune system was affected by Crohn's disease.
Mr Reid's widow, Lorraine Reid (44), Athgarvan Heights, Newbridge, Co Kildare, had sued Dr Michael McDonnell, Newbridge Family Practice, Moorefield Road, Newbridge, and the Health Service Executive for alleged negligence and breach of duty arising from the death of her husband. The defendants denied the claims.
Dr John O'Mahony SC, for Ms Reid, told the court yesterday liability remained an issue and the settlement was without admission of liability.
In a statement read to the court, Ms Reid told Mr Justice John Quirke her husband had been in the prime of his life. If she did not have two children to consider, she would be taking the case all the way. She said it was a disgrace the way doctors hid behind the health board and felt she had been bullied into settling.
Her husband was a gentleman with a lot of dignity but he was left to die the most undignified death, she said. He was left in terrible pain for nearly four days and all that time all he did was thank the hospital staff for anything they did. He died "the most horrible death" because, she alleged, he was not cared for properly.
Ms Reid said she had been given no apology or explanation as to why her husband was not given the treatment he needed or why nobody seemed to realise how ill he was. "I will never forgive you for what you let happen to my husband or what this has done to my wonderful family."
Mr Justice Quirke extended sympathy to Ms Reid and her family. He directed that the couple's children, Keeva (14) and Dean (8), should receive €30,000 and €20,000 respectively out of the settlement.
Earlier, outlining the case, Dr O'Mahony said Mr Reid was immune suppressed because he was receiving treatment for Crohn's disease. There was chickenpox in the family and he had attended Dr McDonnell on May 19th, complaining of a rash and feeling unwell. It was suspected he might have chickenpox but nothing was really done for him, counsel said.
The following day, Mr Reid went to the emergency department of Naas hospital. Dr O'Mahony said Mr Reid's immune suppression should have been discontinued and he should have been put on anti-viral drugs.