Gardai send file on Cavan girl's death to DPP

Gardaí have sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions arising out of the death of a Cavan schoolgirl, who died three weeks after an appendix operation.

Frances Sheridan (9), from Cootehill, had her appendix removed at Cavan General Hospital in January.

She presented in the hospital's A&E unit on January 30th, three weeks after her operation, suffering from abdominal pain.

She was assessed only by two junior doctors, who believed she had a tummy bug, and sent her home. She died 36 hours later.

The inquest into her death was opened briefly in Cavan yesterday.

Supt Joe O'Sullivan, of Cavan Garda station, told acting coroner Dr Marie Flanagan that a file on the matter had been sent to the DPP.

He requested an adjournment of the inquest until November to allow time for the DPP to indicate if charges would be brought. Solicitors for the Sheridan family did not object. The inquest was adjourned to November 18th. Supt O'Sullivan said he was hopeful the DPP will have ruled on the matter before that date.

Ms Patricia O'Reilly, a solicitor for the Sheridans, said the family had been aware that a file would be sent to the DPP.

She believed it would contain witness statements and other matters relating to Frances's death.

Gardaí have already sought the advice of an independent expert, who was asked to comment on whether or not Frances had been treated appropriately.

In June, the North Eastern Health Board published its own 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.

She was sent home, despite a recommendation from her family doctor that she stay at the hospital, and despite her mother's efforts to persuade hospital staff to keep her overnight.

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, and they were satisfied to let her go home.

"The mother queried his decision, but was assured by the doctor and accepted his decision," the report said.

"She had taken nightclothes with her to the hospital, expecting Frances to be admitted, as was advised by the GP."