The family of a woman with Down syndrome who died at the Mater Hospital in 2008 has apologised for an “inappropriate outburst” at the inquest into her death.
In a statement, the family of the late Veronica Murray (38) said it wished “to express their appreciation to the Dublin city coroner Dr Brian Farrell and his staff for the manner in which the inquest into the untimely death of Veronica was conducted”. The family said it was “very distressed and upset” at her death, adding: “The family were encouraged to learn from the Mater Hospital representatives at the inquest that a committee is now in place to consider the supply of services to people with disabilities whilst in hospital care.
“The family welcome the fact that any other person with Down syndrome who is in the care of the HSE has the benefit of a policy for dealing with patients with disability in accordance with the Disability Act 2005. The family look forward to seeing such a policy applied for all patients with disability into the near future.”
Ms Murray’s family complained in strong language at the inquest last Thursday about the treatment she received at the Mater, where she died on December 12th, 2008.