Baby died during routine operation

A baby died of brain damage after being admitted to hospital on his second birthday for a routine operation linked to his condition as a haemophiliac, Dublin Coroner's Court has heard.

Pierce Nowlan, Carrigmore Green, Saggart, was admitted to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, last October to have a device fitted into a vein which would have allowed the regular injection into his blood stream of factor eight, a clotting agent.

During the procedure an artery was inadvertently punctured as surgeons were attempting to access the vein where the device was to be fitted. Pierce bled from the one-millimetre needle hole in his artery into the left side of his chest.

The oxygen flow to his brain was adversely impacted and he died as a result.

His father Stephen Nowlan took the stand to give evidence during yesterday's hearing.

When barrister Emily Egan, representing the hospital, told Mr Nowlan that she wished to extend the genuine sympathy of the hospital in relation to the death of his son, he replied: "Thank you, that's the first we've heard from Crumlin hospital."

Mr Nowlan said a letter "came out of the blue" from Crumlin hospital informing him and his partner Jean Finnegan that Pierce needed to have the procedure.

Mr Nowlan said when he and Ms Finnegan asked the hospital about the procedure they were told it was minor and that there was "nothing to worry about".

He said after their son was admitted to hospital and complications arose one of the operating team, Dr Martina Healy, emerged from the operating theatre and told the couple: "If I'd known he was a severe haemophiliac I would have done the operation in a different way."

In her evidence yesterday Dr Healy said, while she did not wish to contradict Mr Nowlan, she had been aware at all times of Pierce's condition.

She said it was her responsibility to locate the vein into which the device was to be inserted. A needle and wire were to be used in assisting the procedure. At one point the needle inadvertently punctured an artery beside the vein.

The court was told that an inadvertent puncture of an artery such as that which occurred sometimes happened.

Coroner Dr Brian Farrell adjourned the inquest to September to study the "complicated" evidence which had been heard. He also wanted to consider reports on the matter which had been put before the court and to possibly consult with others on the case.

He needed such time, he said, in part because of restrictions in legislation governing inquests which permitted him to call only two medical witnesses in any one case.

There were 23 possible medical witnesses involved in Pierce Nowlan's case.

Dr Farrell called on the Government to introduce an amendment to the legislation lifting the restriction as soon as possible.

The current situation ran contrary to the rights of all involved under the Constitution for access to "natural justice, fair procedures and due process".