Cork hospital apologises over care of baby a day after birth

Cork University Maternity Hospital has apologised in the High Court to the parents of triplets over the care of one of the babies a day after birth.

Maja Moldysz, from Rathcormac, Co Cork, suffered a "catastrophic event" on the second day of her life and is severely disabled both physically and intellectually, the court heard.

The apology was read under a settlement of the child’s action against the Health Service Executive (HSE) over her care at the hospital, which includes an interim payment of €887,200 for the next two years.

John O’Mahony SC for the child, said their case was that while an apparatus for intravenous IV fluids was being set up for the baby, air escaped to her heart and brain and she “suffered catastrophic injuries”.

“The injuries are permanent . She is three years of age and she is lagging behind her brother and sister,” he said.

The triplets were born after the couple had IVF, he added.

This was a tragic case, Maja is unable to stand or walk and her speech is poor for her age, he said.

The family hope to bring her back to Poland for a range of therapies.

Mr Justice Michael Hanna was told nervous shock actions brought by Maja's parents, Marcin and Agnieszka Moldysz, have settled on a confidential basis.

In Maja’s case, the letter of apology said a hospital review showed that aspects of the care Maja received did not reach the standards that should be expected and it unreservedly apologised for that.

In her action, brought through her mother, it was claimed Maja was born on July 4th 2018 at the hospital and after her birth was in reasonably good condition and breathing independently.

When an apparatus was being placed for intravenous fluid administration the following day, it was claimed air was caused to enter her venous system which later resulted in an air bubble travelling to the heart and brain and she suffered acute cardio respiratory arrest and profound brain damage.

It was further claimed the IV apparatus was allegedly placed using a procedure not prescribed by the manufacturer. The claims were denied.

Intensive resuscitative measures were necessary and the baby required intubation, ventilation, cardiac massage and eight doses of adrenaline to restore her circulation. Her condition was stated to be critical with a very uncertain prognosis. She suffered seizures over the following days .

Maja was tube-fed up to the age of 15 months. She has left-sided hemiplegia, is unable to stand or walk, has a very weak left hand and her speech is poor for her age. Her future care needs will he decided in two years.

A hospital investigation following the incident recommended that all neonatal nursing staff in the hospital participate in a programme of education regarding preparation and administration of IV fluids, to include infusion pump training.

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Hanna said it was a very sad case and particularly poignant because she is such a wanted child and very much loved.