Cavan General Hospital Apologises Over Death of Baby Boy

 Cavan General Hospital has formally apologised for shortcomings in the care provided to Baby Luke Lyons Kelly, who died 13 days before his first birthday. The apology was issued as his family settled legal proceedings arising from his death at the hospital on July 5, 2023.

Luke, who had previously undergone successful heart surgery at Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, was brought to Cavan General Hospital on July 1, 2023, after becoming acutely unwell. The High Court heard that his family was initially informed that a lung X-ray was clear and he was not admitted. Two days later, he was brought back to the hospital, admitted, and treated with antibiotics and intravenous fluids. He was placed on oxygen support, but his condition deteriorated. On the morning of July 5, he passed away in his sleep.

The court was told that although Luke had a complex cardiac history, the Dublin cardiac unit was not contacted about his worsening condition until it was too late. His parents, Helena Lyons and Barry Kelly of Shantemon, Co Cavan, subsequently initiated proceedings against the Health Service Executive (HSE).

It was claimed that an internal review conducted after Luke’s death identified significant systems-of-care issues. Among the concerns raised were that he may have required invasive ventilatory support and possible additional cardiovascular intervention at an earlier stage of his illness to prevent progression to cardiac arrest. The proceedings also alleged a failure to act proactively, a delay in contacting the Dublin cardiac unit, inadequate communication between hospitals, and a failure to transfer Luke to Dublin in an expeditious manner.

An apology on behalf of the HSE was read into the court record. In a letter signed by the hospital’s Acting General Manager, Laura Waters extended deepest condolences to the family and acknowledged shortcomings in Luke’s care. The letter stated that while the apology could not undo the profound loss suffered by the family, the hospital remains committed to ensuring best clinical practice in patient care.

The case was resolved with a €35,000 mental distress solatium payment to be divided among the family. Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey expressed his deepest sympathy to Luke’s parents, describing the circumstances as a most tragic case.