A failure to diagnose salmonella in a seven-months pregnant woman resulted, in the course of her delivery of twins or prior to it, in one of the babies developing salmonella septicaemia and meningitis, which led to irreversible brain damage, it was claimed at the High Court yesterday.
Suing by his mother, Mrs Philomena Cullen (43), of Ballylannon, Wellingtonbridge, Co Wexford, Eanna Cullen (13) has alleged negligence against the South Eastern Health Board; Dr Harry Murphy, an obstetrician; Dr Patrick McKiernan, a surgeon; and Dr Cormack McCarth, also a surgeon. The defendants deny the claim.
Eanna - and his brother, Michael, who is in good health - was born at Wexford General Hospital on December 13th, 1987. During 1987, it is claimed, Mrs Cullen attended the hospital for antenatal treatment and eventually for the twins' birth. It is claimed she came under the care of the defendants.
The previous November, when Mrs Cullen was seven months pregnant, she contracted salmonella which was not diagnosed, despite her repeated complaints of vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, it is claimed. On December 13th, 1987, Mrs Cullen went into labour and in the course of delivery or prior to it, it is alleged Eanna developed salmonella septicaemia and meningitis, which in turn resulted in irreversible brain damage.
On November 11th, 1987, Mrs Cullen had lunch in New Ross. Afterwards, she felt ill and weak and her stomach was upset. She had a bad pain in her abdomen and in her side, and had a routine antenatal visit to Dr Murphy the same day. He felt the pain was a result of the fact she was carrying twins and told her to rest.
She saw Dr Murphy on December 3rd when she still had the pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Again, he made reference to the position of the babies. On December 6th, she was seen by Dr Murphy. On December 9th, she was seen by Dr Murphy and Dr McKiernan.
The hearing, before the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Morris, is expected to last a number of weeks.