A woman who went into hospital with a severe headache but later had bleeding on the brain and now requires constant care has settled her action against the HSE for €2.7 million.
Paula Dundon, a mother of three, presented at Naas General Hospital complaining of sudden and severe onset of headache, along with nausea and vomiting, in June 2006.
In the High Court, Mr Justice Kevin Cross on Thursday approved a €2.7 million settlement for Ms Dundon (52), Curragh Downs, Brownstown, Co Kildare, in her action against the HSE arising from her care at Naas General Hospital after she presented with headache.
Ms Dundon, who sued through her husband Michael Dundon, alleged failure to adequately clinically assess her in terms of the type of headache she was experiencing, specifically the sudden onset, severity and duration of the headache.
It was also alleged there was failure to carry out a prompt diagnosis, or a diagnosis within a reasonable period of time, which would have allowed for urgent referral to Beaumont Hospital.
That, it was claimed, would have allowed for the correct diagnosis of left-sided intracerebral vascular abnormalities.
Failure on guidelines
It was also alleged there was failure to follow accepted medical guidelines and to make an appropriate diagnosis at an appropriate time from June 26th or June 27th, 2006.
The claims were denied.
On Thursday, Michael Byrne SC, for Ms Dundon, said liability had been conceded in relation only to the failure to diagnose.
It was claimed Ms Dundon went to the hospital on June 26th or June 27th, 2006, complaining of the onset of severe headache, nausea and vomiting.
It was alleged it was purported to treat her with painkillers and a contrast-enhanced CT brain scan.
A further unenhanced CT scan of her brain was carried out on June 29th, 2006, which, it was claimed, showed a large intracerebral bleed in the left side of the brain.
Ms Dundon was transferred to Beaumont Hospital, where further investigation showed she had suffered an intracerebral subarachnoid haemorrhage, it was claimed.
The claims were denied.
Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Cross said Mr Dundon and their children were to be congratulated for the care they had given to the plaintiff over the last 10 years and wished the family all the best.