THE HSE has obtained interim care orders for three-month-old twins who were brought to hospital last week suffering from head and other injuries.
Gardaí are continuing their investigation into how the babies suffered the injuries.
The HSE obtained the court orders at separate District Court hearings in Cork and Dublin on Monday. They effectively made the executive guardian of the twins.
While the HSE declined to comment on the twins, it is understood that the more seriously ill baby has been taken off a ventilator at Temple Street children’s hospital in Dublin and, although critical, is now breathing independently.
The second baby remains at Cork University Hospital, where his condition remains serious although his injuries are not life-threatening.
The first twin was brought to Cork University Hospital by ambulance at about 1.30am on January 9th after his parents made a 999 call from their home in Co Cork.
Doctors, upon examining the baby, diagnosed that he had suffered serious brain bleeds.
The baby was transferred from CUH to Temple Street, where he was put on a ventilator. Doctors carried out a series of tests including X-rays which showed the baby had suffered multiple fractures to his ribs.
At about 1.30pm on January 9th, the boy’s twin brother was brought to CUH where doctors diagnosed that he too had suffered brain bleeds, although not as severely.
Medical staff at CUH notified HSE social workers following the examination of the first twin. The social workers in turn notified gardaí, who launched an investigation into how the twins came to suffer their injuries.
Doctors believe the injuries of both twins were recent – no more than two weeks old when they were admitted. Gardaí have taken statements from more than 20 people who have been in contact with the twins in recent weeks.
They have already taken witness statements from ambulance crews and medical personnel at CUH and plan over the coming days to speak with doctors at Temple Street who are treating the more seriously ill twin.
According to a senior Garda source, gardaí are particularly conscious of the fact that one child remains critically ill and, as a result, they are conducting the investigation with great sensitivity as they continue to liaise with the family.
“The baby has shown some improvement but he remains critical and it’s going to be a long road for him – hopefully he will continue to improve but there’s no guarantees.
“It’s a tough time for everyone and we’re very conscious of that, ” the source added.
