Hospital apologises after death of woman from anaphylaxis caused by antibiotic
- 07 May 2024
- Healthcare News
- News
University Hospital Waterford has apologised after 76-year-old Elizabeth Murphy died from anaphylaxis as High Court action settled for €400,000.
Mrs Waterford died at home in January 2019 after taking antibiotics prescribed by her GP after she presented with pain in her chest, back and shoulder pain. The court heard that she had had a serious reaction to antibiotics in hospital just months earlier but this was not included in her discharge notes and a GP was not informed. The Murphy family settled an action against the HSE over the death and for nervous shock for €400,000.
The hospital offered its “sincerest apologies following the tragic death of Mrs Murphy” and acknowledged that the experience was devastating for the family “and continues to have a profound and lasting effect”. Ms Justice Emily Egan offered her condolences to the family on what she called their appalling loss.
It confirmed that recommendations made by the coroner after an inquest had been implemented including an electronic-only reporting initiative implemented and where test results for discharged patients are followed up.
Read more in RTE and the Irish Independent.
