Settlement over childbirth death

The family of a 38-year-old woman who died at Mayo General Hospital hours after giving birth to her second child is to be paid…

The family of a 38-year-old woman who died at Mayo General Hospital hours after giving birth to her second child is to be paid €850,000, plus legal costs, by the Health Services Executive under a settlement of their High Court action.

Evelyn Flanagan died at the hospital on October 19th, 2007 as a result of serious complications following the birth of her daughter, Niamh.

It was alleged she suffered a post-partum haemorrhage as a result of a rupture of the uterus which was not detected or adequately dealth with.

Her husband, Padraic (43), of Holyhill, Ballyheane, Castlebar, had brought proceedings against the HSE and a consultant obstetrician, Dr Murtada Mohamed, alleging that the care given to his wife at the hospital was substandard and led to her death.

The settlement, ruled this week by Mr Justice Michael Peart, arose following a mediation of the proceedings during which the hospital admitted liability.

The settlement is to be paid by the HSE with the case against Dr Mohamed struck out.

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