A GLASGOW consultant neuro-surgeon told the High Court yesterday that a Limerick man referred by a general practitioner for examination to Limerick Regional Hospital in 1991 should, in his opinion, have been seen by a senior doctor or consultant.
Prof Peter Behan told Mr Justice Johnson the man's discharge from the hospital was not a decision he would have allowed a senior house officer or junior doctor to make.
He was giving evidence on behalf of Mrs Carmel Collins (42) of Glenamaar Avenue, Wood view Park, Limerick, in her action for damages arising from the death of her husband, James, who died on March 29th, 1991, aged 42.
Mrs Collins is suing the Mid Western Health Board and Dr Ray O'Connor, of Kilbranish Drive, Woodview Park, Limerick. The late Mr Collins died following a brain haemorrhage six weeks after it is alleged he was told he had viral flu. The board and Dr O'Connor deny Mrs Collins's claims.
The court had heard that Mr Collins, while working on a building site on February 20th, 1991, got a severe headache which was not relieved by pain killers. Dr O'Connor, the court was told, initially examined Mr Collins, and it is alleged he diagnosed viral flu.
Prof Behan was asked about a letter written by another GP, Dr Maurice O'Brien, sent with Mr Collins when he went to Limerick, Hospital on March 20th, 1991, for investigation. He said the casualty card report of the hospital doctor told him nothing about Mr Collins's headache.
There was no doubt, in his opinion, that a lumbar puncture procedure carried out on Mr Collins, when he returned to hospital on March 22nd, killed him. A lumbar puncture should not have been done before a CT scan had been carried out. It was bad medical practice and contra indicated.
The hearing continues.