The family of a young woman who died at St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin in 1997 are to receive £40,000 in settlement of an action for damages.
Ms Tara O'Flaherty (27) died in the hospital on July 17th, 1997. Her mother, Mrs Rosemary O'Flaherty, had sued Mr Nicholas Jermyn, the hospital's chief executive; Dr Charles Gallagher, a consultant respiratory physician; Dr Charles Williams, a consultant radiologist; and the hospital registrar, Ms Michelle Doran.
Mr Denis McCullough SC, for the family, said Ms O'Flaherty was treated for pneumonia, but developed a pulmonary embolism, from which she died.
Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Butler directed that £20,000 be paid to cover the cost of special damages, the late Ms O'Flaherty's funeral and legal costs associated with the inquest. He ordered that the remaining £20,000 should be paid to the parents and surviving children.