More medical witnesses may be called to give evidence in the inquest of a baby girl who died after being mistakenly delivered five weeks prematurely by Caesarean section, Dublin City Coroner's Court heard yesterday.
An amendment to the Coroner's Act on December 21st has allowed for more than two medical practitioners to give evidence at an inquest. Prior to this, only two medical experts, including a pathologist, were permitted to give evidence at any one inquest, which can create difficulties in complex cases and has been criticised by Dublin City Coroner Dr Brian Farrell.
Jessica Darcy Lampf was delivered five weeks prematurely at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda following a hospital mix-up over her mother's due date, the coroner's court heard in December.
Therese Darcy Lampf gave birth to her daughter on July 8th, 2003, but her due date was not for another 39 days. The infant first developed breathing problems, which was followed within days by multi-organ failure. She died at Temple Street Hospital on July 18th.
Dr Farrell heard legal submissions yesterday that a consultant paediatrician from Temple Street Hospital in Dublin, a paediatrician from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda and a consultant in metabolic disorders should give additional evidence before the court.
Legal representation for the Darcy Lampf family yesterday proposed that no more medical witnesses be called by the coroner.
Dr Brian Farrell will set an inquest date on February 13th.