Latest news with #UniversityHospitalGalway
BreakingNews.ie
13 hours ago
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Galway hospital apologises for misdiagnosis of girl's appendicitis as she settles for €64,000
A hospital has apologised to a young girl whose appendicitis was allegedly misdiagnosed and her appendix later ruptured. A letter of apology from University Hospital Galway was read in the High Court as Ariana Mocanu settled a legal action against the HSE for €64,000. Advertisement Her counsel, Jeremy Maher SC, instructed by PBN Litigation, told the court that the girl, who was 7 years old at the time, had at the hospital been incorrectly diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and discharged home after midnight with antibiotics. Nine hours later, Mr Maher said she was brought back to the hospital, but her acute appendicitis had progressed to a perforated appendix and peritonitis, and she required urgent surgery. Mr Maher said the girl's father had on several occasions raised the possibility of appendicitis with the hospital treating medic, but was told it was a urinary tract infection. Mr Justice Paul Coffey was told that liability and causation remained at issue in the case. Advertisement In the letter which was read to the court, University Hospital Galway said Ariana had been assessed by an emergency medicine doctor who formed the opinion based on her presenting complaints that the diagnosis was more likely to be a urinary tract infection rather than appendicitis. 'On this occasion, the diagnosis turned out to be incorrect. The hospital apologises for this initial misdiagnosis,' the letter from the hospital manager, Chris Kane, said. It added: 'We regret what Ariana and her family went through and we wish Ariana and her family the very best.' Mr Maher told the court experts on their side would say there was never a case where she should have been sent home. Advertisement He said the HSE contended surgery would not have been possible before morning at the hospital in any event, which Counsel said he found to be bizarre. Ariana had to have open surgery the next day and counsel said she had shown incredible courage. Outside court, the girl's parents, Diana and Petru Mocanu through solicitor Piarais Neary, said they had brought the case for Ariana and to highlight to other parents the risk of appendicitis and to know the signs and when to seek urgent medical treatment. They said they welcomed the apology after three years. Advertisement Ariana Mocanu, of Gorey, Co Wexford, had through her father, Petru Mocanu, sued the HSE. The little girl had been brought to University Hospital Galway accident and emergency department on July 23rd, 2022, complaining of acute central abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. In the proceedings, it was claimed there was a failure to take any or any reasonable care for the safety of the little girl and a failure to exercise an appropriate level of care, skill, competence and diligence in or about the diagnosis, assessment, management and treatment of the child when she presented at the hospital emergency department on July 23rd, 2022. The little girl, it was contended, had been subjected to a substandard level of care when she presented at the hospital A&E, and there had been a wrong diagnosis of urinary tract infection. The little girl, it was claimed, had been discharged with a wrong diagnosis and instead she should have been admitted to the hospital. All of the claims were denied. Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said he was satisfied it was fair and reasonable.
BreakingNews.ie
21 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Man found dead following house fire in Co Roscommon
A man has been found dead following an extensive house fire in Co Roscommon. Emergency services were called to the scene in the Oaks housing estate in Frenchpark at about 7:15pm on Wednesday evening, and the blaze was brought under control. Advertisement The body of the man has been removed from the house, and taken to University Hospital Galway for post-mortem exam. The scene remains sealed off on Thursday morning for a technical examination, and gardaí say enquiries are ongoing.
Irish Times
21 hours ago
- Irish Times
Man dies following fire at house in Co Roscommon
A man has died following a house fire in Co Roscommon. Gardaí said the fire broke out in the house at The Oaks estate in Frenchpark at about 7.15pm on Wednesday. The body of the man has been removed from the house to University Hospital Galway for a postmortem examination. Residents in The Oaks estate are said to have heard a loud bang at about 7.10pm. READ MORE Footage on social media appears to show the house almost completely destroyed by fire, with its roof caved in. The scene remains held for technical examination and investigations are ongoing. The fire has been extinguished by fire services. The estate was build in 2004 and consists of approximately 50 houses and a number of apartments.
The Journal
3 days ago
- Health
- The Journal
Paediatric Unit at University Hospital Galway welcomes its first therapy dog
EIGHT-YEAR-OLD OLLIE IS the first therapy dog to join the Paediatric Unit at University Hospital Galway. Ollie, a Malshi, works at the hospital every Thursday. He dons his Irish Therapy Dog uniform after a 'thorough brushing and grooming' and spends time with children at the unit. Irish Therapy Dogs ' mission is to provide physical, therapeutic, and educational benefit to people, particularly in hospitals, nursing homes, day care centres, and schools. They are also brought to other places where people may be restricted from having pets, and 'where the presence of dogs and their owners will add comfort and support'. Some universities, including the University of Galway, will bring a therapy dog to the campus around exam time to help students unwind. Clinical Nurse Manager at the hospital's paediatric unit, Sarah Murphy, said that dog therapy 'offers a positive distraction in the unit and helps normalise the setting for children who are away from home under scary and unpleasant circumstances'. Advertisement Ellie Leonard, patient and Ollie the therapy dog at the Paediatric Unit, UHG. University Hospital Galway University Hospital Galway Irish Therapy Dogs is a registered voluntary charity that is 'always looking for suitable volunteers'. Approved volunteers and their dogs visit residents of an assigned care centre once a week to bring therapeutic benefits. Ollie's owner and handler Siobhan Falvey said that she knew her dog would be a good fit for the organisation's work. 'Ollie started his journey in a nursing home providing love and support to the elderly, now he is happy to be on duty at the Paediatric unit in UHG,' she said. 'Families and staff will often stop to show me photos of their pets at home that they are missing. We compare funny stories about our dogs while they have a cuddle with Ollie.' Clinical Skills Facilitator at the unit, Tracey Trophy, said that Ollie's presence in the unit has made 'a huge difference to the children', helping to calm children who are anxious at being in hospital. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Heartbreak as young dad dies after Dublin e-scooter crash on first Father's Day
A young man who died from injuries he suffered in a serious road traffic incident involving an e-scooter only recently became a dad as pals pay heartbreaking tributes to him. Named locally as Jack Goss, the 21-year-old from Balbutcher in Ballymun, Dublin 9, was the father of a 4-month-old baby girl. Mr Goss had also only recently started an apprenticeship with Dublin City Council. He was found on the Cappagh Road in Finglas, Dublin 11 on Sunday, June 15 at around 5pm following the collision. He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken by ambulance to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown. On Sunday his condition was described as 'critical.' Gardai have since confirmed the 21-year-old passed away on Monday due to his injuries. Paying tribute to Mr Goss on social media, a pal wrote: 'Took way too early bro on Father's Day as well. Life ain't fair. I hope your family and child and girlfriend is ok. Bro you will be forever missed Jack. Love you always bro.' Another pal wrote: 'You were a good one bro. Not a man around like you. Always helped others. Had a great life ahead of you, a great job and a beautiful daughter. I can't believe it bro. I will love and miss you brother,' while another wrote: 'Heartbreaking. RIP Jack. Thoughts are with all the family and friends,' and another wrote: 'Very sad. RIP pure gentleman.' In a statement on Monday, Gardai continued to appeal for witnesses to the serious road traffic collision as investigations are ongoing. 'Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the incident involving an e-scooter shortly after 5pm on Sunday, June 15," a statement from An Garda Siochana said. 'The male, aged in his 20s, travelling on the e-scooter who was brought to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown to be treated for serious injuries has since passed away. 'Investigating Gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward. 'Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the Cappagh Road area between Heathfield and Cappagh Hospital between 4.45pm and 5.05pm on Sunday and may have camera footage are asked to make it available,' the statement said. 'Anyone with information regarding this incident are asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01-6667000, the Garda Confidential Lie at 1800 666 111 or any garda station.' Meanwhile, five people were taken to hospital following a serious road traffic collision in Tuam, Co Galway in the early hours of Monday morning, June 16. Gardaí and emergency services attended the incident, involving two cars, which occurred at approximately 1.40am. One of the drivers, a male aged in his 30s, was taken to University Hospital Galway to be treated for serious injuries. The other driver, an adult male in his late teens, along with three adult female passengers, all aged in their late teens, were brought to University Hospital Galway to be treated for non life-threatening injuries. The road remains closed and Garda Forensic Collision Investigators will carry out an examination of the scene today. Local diversions are in place. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 1.15am and 1.50am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Tuam Garda Station on (093) 70840, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Investigations are ongoing.
