HSE apology for ‘shattered’ family of pro golfer dad
Payout over care of colitis sufferer before his death
A WIDOW whose pro golfer husband died from a rare form of colitis has told how her children’s lives have been “shattered”.
Catherine Duggan settled her case against University Hospital Kerry yesterday and received an apology.
It was claimed Liam Duggan, 37, was discharged prematurely in 2017.
It was also alleged he was not given an abdominal CT scan which would have shown ongoing serious inflammation of the colon and an early and curative colectomy and his survival.
Outside the Four Courts, Mrs Duggan said the tragedy left her children Jack and Amelia shattered.
She described her husband as “such a family man” and who was loved so much and she said his life revolved around his family.
Mrs Duggan added: “We have had to fight tooth and nail to bring justice for Liam who should have been in the prime of his life. I hope that Liam gets to rest in peace.”
An apology from the hospital general manager read: “We would like to acknowledge the deficits of care which resulted in the untimely death of Liam. His loss has had a profound and devastating effect on you and your family .”
“I wish to offer my heartfelt apologies for the shortcomings in the care provided and for the distress suffered by you , Jack and Amelia.”
While the details of the settlement are confidential, it is understood the matter was settled for a six-figure sum.
Mrs Duggan’s Counsel Eugene Gleeson said the apology was of considerable assistance to the family.
Mrs Duggan, of Ballymacelligott, Tralee, Co Kerry had sued the HSE.
DISCHARGED
Mr Duggan was suffering abdominal pain and vomiting and a diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis which is an inflammation of the large intestine was made on March 23.
It was claimed he was discharged allegedly prematurely on April 3, 2017.
Mr Duggan was readmitted on April 12 with the same symptoms and diarrhoea and a high temperature.
It was claimed he was given fluids and the next day an urgent colonoscopy and CT scan of the abdomen was planned and he was admitted to ICU.
He was critically ill and required intubation. Mr Duggan was moved to Cork University Hospital ICU.
His condition deteriorated and he was suffering multi-organ failure and required blood transfusions. Mr Duggan died on May 9, 2017. An inquest into Mr Duggan’s death was told by Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster, that he died of natural causes.
The cause of death was given as multiple organ failure due to septic shock due to colitis.
It was claimed Mr Duggan had been discharged from the Kerry hospital while still symptomatic.
It was further claimed there was an alleged failure to take an abdominal CT scan on March 28 and 29 which it is claimed would have demonstrated serious inflammation of the colon.
It was further claimed there was an alleged failure to perform an earlier colectomy which it was alleged would on balance have led to Mr Duggan’s survival.
The HSE, the court heard admitted negligence but denied it was a contributory factor to Mr Duggan’s death.
We have had to fight tooth and nail for Liam who should be in prime of life CATHERINE DUGGAN
HIGH COURT YESTERDAY