The HSE has apologised to the family of a boy whose birth was mismanaged at Cork University Maternity Hospital.
Jack Leane from Killarney in County Kerry suffered severe brain damage as a result, according to RTÉ News.
The child now has cerebral palsy and daily seizures, among a number of other issues.
His mother, Annette, had her labour induced in August 2008 but the failure of hospital staff to register Jack’s distress and carry out a Caesarean-section in time meant the boy will need round-the-clock care for the rest of his life.
The hospital apologised to Jack’s family this morning.
“We do not underestimate the impact this has had on you and your family and we are truly sorry,” said a lawyer on behalf of the HSE.
The High Court today approved a €15 million settlement for Jack’s life-long care.
Annette Leane told the court that the sum would go towards the cost of caring for Jack and helping her and her husband to be parents to their other two children.
She also criticised the HSE for not immediately taking responsibility for her son’s brain damage.
“It took eight years, why it took so long I do not know. If it took them eight years to find out how grievously they injured Jack it is even more disconcerting.
“The stress and cost of this action is a huge strain that not all families can sustain or even afford to start to investigate.”
