Midland Health Board to review meningitis death

The 16-month old baby boy who died within hours of being sent home from Longford/Westmeath Hospital has been named as Cormac …

The 16-month old baby boy who died within hours of being sent home from Longford/Westmeath Hospital has been named as Cormac Nevin.

Cormac was brought to the hospital on Saturday night last with a high temperature but was sent home after a series of tests.

His condition worsened and he was brought back to the hospital where he died of bacterial meningitis within hours.

According to the Midland Health Board (MHB) Cormac did not display the usual symptoms for bacterial meningitis.

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A spokeswoman for the MHB said the board reviewed clinical cases as part of its risk management programme and the care given to Cormac would be reviewed in that context.

"The Midland Health Board conveys its sincere sympathy to the family," she added.

All those who came into contact with Cormac have been offered preventative antibiotics and they have also been advised of the signs and symptoms of the disease, which causes inflammation of the brain.

"All GPs in the area have been notified," the spokeswoman added.

In a statement released by relatives, staff at the hospital were thanked for the efforts in trying to save the boy's life.