THE SISTER in charge of the casualty department of Limerick Regional Hospital told a High Court hearing yesterday that a patient, when told that he could go home, asked for painkillers for a headache.
Sister Ellen Ambrose was giving evidence on behalf of the hospital in the action brought by Ms Carmel Collins (42), of Woodview Park, Limerick, arising out of the death of her husband, Mr James Collins, who died following a brain haemorrhage on March 29th, 1991.
Ms Collins is suing the Mid Western Health Board and Dr Ray O'Connell, of Kilbranish Drive, Woodview Park, Limerick, who deny her claims. Mr Collins had complained of headaches for about five weeks prior to his death. He had earlier been diagnosed as having viral flu.
Sister Ambrose said that Mr Collins came to the hospital with a letter from a GP, Dr Maurice O'Brien, on March 10th 1991 complaining of headache. Following examination, a senior house officer in casualty told her that he was Sending Mr Collins home. She told Mr Collins to get dressed and he asked her to ask the doctor for painkillers and said that the headache was at the front of his head. He had put his hand on his forehead.
Sister Ambrose said that she told the doctor of the patient's request and mentioned to the doctor if he wanted Mr Collins to be seen by the medical senior house officer. The doctor had said "no", that there was no urgency about Mr Collins and that he was referring him to medical out patients and she should send him home.
Mr Collins had communicated well and had shown no signs of stiffness. He walked normally and needed no assistance to dress.
Mr Thomas Peirce, a consultant physician at the hospital, when asked about the written report of the casualty doctor, said that, if he had been in the same situation as the doctor on duty, he would probably not have admitted Mr Collins.
The hearing resumes on Tuesday.