The DPP has refused to comment on a report that no one will be prosecuted arising out of the death of a nine-year-old girl in Cavan hospital in February 2004.
Frances Sheridan, from Cootehill, Co Cavan, died three weeks after an operation in the hospital to remove her appendix. She returned home after the operation and was brought back three weeks later complaining of abdominal pain. She was assessed by two junior doctors, who believed she had a tummy bug, and sent her home. This was despite a recommendation from her family doctor that she stay at the hospital. She died 36 hours later.
RTÉ reported last night the DPP had considered a Garda file on the matter and had decided that no one will be prosecuted. During the inquest Supt Joe O'Sullivan, of Cavan Garda station said a file on the matter had been sent to the DPP, and the inquest was adjourned.
In June 2004 the North Eastern Health Board published its report on the girl's death. It blamed system inadequacies for the staff's failure to identify the fact that she had an obstructed bowel when she presented in the hospital's A&E unit on January 30th. The girl's file could not be found when she presented at A&E.
The report said that when she went to the A&E unit the first doctor to assess her "was inexperienced in general surgery" but ordered an X-ray. After the X-ray was obtained, this doctor consulted with a colleague who had "slightly more surgical experience, but was of a similar grade".
They told the girl's mother no abnormality was found.
"The mother queried his decision, but was assured by the doctor and accepted his decision," the report said.