Family settles case against HSE over Cork woman’s death

The family of a 45-year-old woman from Cork, who never regained consciousness after surgery, have settled their case against the HSE for €400,000.

Patricia Kelly of Castletreasure Grove, Douglas in Cork city, died in Cork University Hospital in December 2015.

The mother of one had undergone surgery on two discs in her neck the previous year, and never regained consciousness after that surgery. She remained in a vegetative state in the hospital until her death 22 months later.

The High Court heard liability was fully contested and a settlement had been reached after mediation.

Mrs Kelly ultimately died of bronchial pneumonia arising from her many months in a coma. The court heard scans had revealed that she had suffered brain damage.

The court was told that it was not clear what had directly caused Mrs Kelly’s coma and subsequent death.

The 45-year-old suffered from hypertension and diabetes, and this contributed to what was described as a “complex case”.

The court approved today’s settlement which is to be awarded to her husband John Kelly and her son Michael.

Mr Justice Paul Coffey conveyed his deepest sympathy to the Kelly family, saying “this was a very tragic case”.