A mother whose womb was removed without her consent during an operation in a Dublin hospital has had a £70,000 award for damages increased to £90,000 by the Supreme Court. Mrs Linda Gillick (37), Glenview, Stamullen Road, Gor mans ton, Co Meath, had sued Dr Ian Dalrymple, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, because of an operation he carried out in the Rotunda Hospital on January 20th, 1995. Dr Dalrymple has since died but the action against him proceeded.
The High Court had been told that Mrs Gillick, a mother of three boys, attended the doctor following problems with a prolapsed womb. She decided to have a repair procedure carried out because she wished to have the opportunity to give birth to a girl. Instead, her womb was removed.
The High Court awarded Mrs Gillick damages of £70,000 but she appealed the award on grounds that it was insufficient. The Supreme Court increased the award to £90,000 yesterday.