Man whose wife and baby died urges HSE to admit review into inquest evidence

A man whose wife and newborn baby boy died in a Cork maternity hospital has called for the Health Service Executive (HSE) to agree to admit into evidence at their inquest a systems analysis review report commissioned in the aftermath of the deaths.

Mother of three Marie Downey, who lived in Knockanevin near Kildorrery, Co Cork, was found on the floor of her room at Cork University Maternity Hospital on the morning of March 25th, 2019.

Mrs Downey, who was a native of Ballyagran in Co Limerick, was due to be discharged with her baby, Darragh, in a matter of days. She suffered an apparent epileptic seizure while breastfeeding and collapsed on Darragh. Ms Downey was pronounced dead at the scene and Darragh passed away the following evening.

In August the inquest into their deaths was opened by Cork city coroner, Philip Comyn. Legal representatives for the hospital expressed concern about the admissibility of an independent review carried out into the care of the woman and baby.

The review, which was subsequently ruled as inadmissible by the coroner, was commissioned by Prof John Higgins, the hospital's clinical director. The inquest was opened on August 30th and adjourned for mention on Thursday.

On Thursday at the Coroner’s Court in Cork, Kieran Downey asked the HSE to agree to admit the review into evidence. He said there was a “cascade of events” prior to the death of his wife and child.

No stone unturned

Junior counsel for the family, Doireann O’Mahony, said Mr Downey’s “only remaining hope” is that no other family would have to endure a similar tragedy.

“But this will only be possible with a full and thorough investigation which leaves no stone unturned. We are now formally calling on the HSE to agree to the admission into evidence of the systems analysis review report.”

She said: “It is Mr Downey’s express request that the HSE do the right thing now, and agree to the admission of the report.”

Solicitor for the HSE, Eamonn Harrington, said the HSE was committed to open disclosure and that immediate action was taken following the deaths. The court heard a full external review was carried out in relation to the deaths, which was shared with the family of the deceased.

He said a ruling on the admissibility or not of the report had already been made by Mr Comyn. He rejected any allegations of secrecy by the HSE. Mr Harrington also extended his sympathy to Mr Downey following his loss.

Mr Comyn said he had given a written judgment that explained his reasons for not allowing the review to be admitted in to evidence.

A full inquest into the deaths is expected to be heard on the week of November 16th. A jury will be present at the inquest.