Inquest is adjourned for fifth time despite family concerns

RELATIVES OF retired schoolteacher Rose Duke, who died at Cavan General Hospital 4½ years ago, have urged that her inquest be held quickly to give them closure on her death.

The inquest was adjourned yesterday for the fifth time since it was opened by Cavan coroner Dr Mary Flanagan on July 26th, 2006.

At an earlier hearing, Ms Duke's next of kin had expressed concern at circumstances surrounding her death. High Court proceedings have been initiated on the matter.

Ms Duke (72), from Earlsvale Place, died in Cavan General Hospital on November 12th, 2003, from multiple organ failure and septicaemia caused by a perforated bowel.

She had been admitted on November 9th, complaining of abdominal pain, chest pain and vomiting. She underwent an operation for an incarcerated hernia two days later but died in the early hours of the following day.

Dr Flanagan highlighted the long history of the case, recalling that it was first adjourned in July 2006 at the request of gardaí who told her that a Garda investigation had been launched because of concerns about the death.

In January 2007 it was again adjourned when the court heard that gardaí were almost ready to send a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The file went to the DPP in February 2007 but when the case was listed for hearing last October, the coroner was told that the DPP had not yet reached a decision.

In January of this year, Dr Flanagan was told that gardaí were still waiting for directions from the DPP on whether criminal proceedings should be instituted.

Yesterday, Insp Brendan Cadden requested a two-month adjournment because the DPP's office had sought "further clarification" on some issues. He said gardaí had been contacted by the DPP in February, and again last week, with the request for additional information.

"I spoke with the office of the DPP this morning . . . we will have a decision from the DPP's office before the next coroner's court sitting," Insp Cadden said.

Dr Flanagan granted an adjournment until June 26th but said the case had been going on for nearly five years and "I would like to see this being dealt with as soon as possible".