MUM’S €100K COMPO FROM HSE OVER DEATH OF BABY
Whooping cough of tragic tot was ‘undiagnosed’
The baby’s heart and breath was racing. The penny didn’t drop until it was too late
DR JOHN O‘MAHONY
A MOTHER who sued the HSE over the death of her baby son has settled a legal action for €100,000.
Maria Mullins. 33, took the suit over the death of two-month-old Romi Betak on August 12, 2012, on grounds including the child had not been properly diagnosed. The claims were denied.
Her counsel Dr John O’mahony told the court a diagnosis of bronchiolitis was made at Cork University Hospital when in reality the baby had whooping cough.
He added the child went downhill and a blood sample taken coagulated, so could not be tested.
Counsel said if a repeat blood test had been carried out the course for Romi would have been different.
Dr O’mahony said: “His heart was racing, his breath was racing. The penny never dropped until it was too late.”
Mr Justice Kevin Cross was told liability remained at issue in the case.
Romi’s parents, of Presentation Road, Gurranabraher, Cork, brought him to hospital with classic whooping cough symptoms including runny nose and respiratory symptoms including episodes of breath holding.
It was claimed despite the baby’s deterioration from admission, he was not seen again by a doctor until August 5.
On that date, his breathing was more laboured but the probability of whooping cough was not considered, it was alleged.
YESTERDAY HIGH COURT
It was claimed there was a failure to carry out a chest X-ray and a failure to discuss the provision of antibiotics.
Romi remained ill and on of August 7, had very thick yellow secretions which it was claimed suggested secondary bacterial infection but there was an alleged failure to respond appropriately.
For the next two days, he was tube fed consistent with his deterioration.
Romi also had a persistent chest cough and it was claimed on August 11, 2012, there was a further deterioration.
An X-ray showed significant lung infection and on August 12 he suffered a respiratory arrest and was resuscitated and moved to a Dublin hospital where he died of pulmonary hypertension and pertussis pneumonia.
Following Romi’s death, Ms Mullins suffered shock and the tragedy has left a void in the family’s life.
Approving the settlement Mr Justice Cross offered his sympathies.