SOUTH TIPPERARY General Hospital has apologised before the High Court over failings resulting in serious brain injuries to a girl born there five years ago. Kate Murphy, who has cerebral palsy, is also to receive a €1.3 million interim payment under a settlement of her proceedings over her injuries.
Mr Justice John Quirke agreed yesterday to adjourn the case for two years on the basis of agreement that future care costs would be addressed through a system of periodic payments. New legislation to deal with such payments in long-term care cases is expected to be introduced within that time.
Through her mother Sarah Murphy, Fethard, Co Tipperary, the child had alleged negligence and breach of duty in the circumstances of her birth at the hospital in September 2005. The case was against the Health Service Executive and Raymond Howard, a consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist attached to the hospital.
Oonagh McCrann SC told Mr Justice Quirke yesterday she was instructed on behalf of the management and staff at South Tipperary General Hospital to express their sincere apologies for the failings that caused the injuries to Kate and the consequential trauma experienced by her and her family.
Mr Justice Quirke told Kate’s parents that while money was intended to compensate, that was grossly inadequate and “nothing can compensate”. The interim payment includes €450,000 for general damages, €400,000 for future loss of earnings and €200,000 towards the cost of a house.