The widow of a man who died a day after being admitted to St James's Hospital in Dublin is suing the hospital for alleged negligence. Mrs Carol Wolfe claims that the hospital failed to locate a tumour and dismissed her husband's complaints.
Mrs Wolfe (39), of O'Devanney Gardens, North Circular Road, Dublin, is suing on her own behalf and on behalf of family members following the death of her husband, Mr Joseph Wolfe (31). The action is against the hospital and a consultant, Dr Michael Buckley. The defence denies the claims.
Mr Wolfe, formerly of Greenfort Crescent, Quarry vale, Clondalkin, was unemployed at the time of his death in 1991. He received £65 a week in social welfare benefit, of which, it is submitted, he paid £55 to his wife.
Mrs Wolfe claims that in February 1991 her husband attended his general practitioner and complained to him of suffering from shakes and a burning pain in his stomach. The GP diagnosed an ulcer and prescribed tablets. As Mr Wolfe's symptoms were prolonged, the GP referred him to the hospital. It is claimed that tablets were prescribed, a biopsy was performed and Mr Wolfe was told that his complaint had been cured.
On November 9th, 1991, Mr Wolfe was taken ill, and in the early hours of November 10th he was brought by ambulance to St James's. He died in the hospital the following day.
Mrs Wolfe claims that there was a failure to investigate Mr Wolfe's complaints of recurring sweating and shaking. It is further claimed that there was a failure to locate and remove a tumour.
The hearing continues.