A 17-year-old girl who nursed her hours-old baby until it died in her arms was treated in a less than caring and sympathetic fashion by maternity staff at The Coombe Hospital, a judge has been told.
Disturbing allegations surrounding the stillbirth, resuscitation and death almost 12 years ago of baby Peter Furlong, and the treatment of his mother, Ms Amanda Ford, were outlined to the Circuit Civil Court yesterday.
Mr Breffni Gordon, counsel for Ms Ford, told Circuit Court President Mr Justice Smyth that Amanda had been left on her own for an inordinate period of time following Peter's birth in March 1991. "No counselling whatsoever was offered and it was quite clear there occurred a significant breakdown in communication between Amanda and the hospital staff concerning the child's actual status post-delivery," Mr Gordon said.
Judge Smyth approved payment by the hospital of a €19,000 settlement offer to Amanda, who is now aged 29. The hospital had entered a full denial and defence to Amanda's claims.
Mr Gordon said the primary complaint against the hospital was a failure to act promptly and to perform a caesarean section so as to ensure Peter's safe delivery.
He said that following the stillbirth, successful resuscitation resulted in Peter's heart starting to beat again. Peter had been given to his mother who had been told he was dying. The child later died in her arms.
Mr Gordon said Ms Ford, of Coultry Close, Ballymun, Dublin, had sued the hospital for statutory fatal injuries compensation under the Civil Liabilities Act and separately in her own right for nervous shock and distress.