The High Court yesterday awarded damages of €300,000 to a Co Tipperary woman whose teenage years were "severely blighted" after operations in Cashel Hospital and Waterford Regional Hospital. The award is against the South Eastern Health Board.
Ms Michelle Quinn (22), of Castleview, Ardfinnan, was said to have had a nerve removed from her right thigh in the Waterford hospital after she suffered pain in her leg and side following an earlier appendix operation in Cashel in 1993.
As a result, she could not go to a disco during her school years. She cannot walk very far and can only get relief from her pain by lying down.
In a reserved judgment yesterday, Mr Justice O Caoimh said he was satisfied nerve removal was the wrong treatment at the time and in all probability would leave her severely debilitated.
Proper care of the girl at that time warranted conservative treament being continued in one form or another for at least 12 months and probably for a longer period, the judge said.
Had she received such treatment, in all probability it would have addressed her medical problems.
While there had been a consent to the operation on Ms Quinn in the Waterford hospital on August 10th, 1994, the judge said, it could not be considered to be an informed consent.
He said Ms Quinn and her parents were not advised of the risks associated with a failed neurectomy, in particular, the possibility that it might not prove successful and might reduce the possibility of other conservative treatment being followed.