Liver transplant woman remains critical

A HEPATITIS C sufferer, flown by air ambulance to a London hospital on Saturday for a life saving operation, remains critically ill.

Kings College Hospital spokeswoman Claire Pirie said Sylvia O’Leary, a 32-year-old mother of two, remained critical in the hospital’s intensive care unit: “There are no immediate plans for surgery. A liver is not yet available.”

She said the priority was to keep Mrs O’Leary, from Ballincollig, Co Cork, stable and comfortable.

Mrs O’Leary contracted hepatitis C from contaminated blood when she was given her first liver transplant in 1991.

At the time she was under the care of the State.

Mrs O’Leary suffered liver failure just over a week ago and was admitted to Cork University Hospital where she was put on a life-support machine. If the operation goes ahead in London it will be her third liver transplant.

Before Christmas she was at the centre of a row between her family and the Minister for Health, Micheal Martin, over the payment of compensation.

Her family claimed the Department of Health was gambling on her life by delaying the payment of compensation.

The Minister refuted the accusation and a few days ago a compensation deal was signed which is believed to be in the region of €1 million.

Her claim had to be finalised outside the scope of the hepatitis compensation tribunal, because she was informed of her illness after the closing date for claims to the inquiry.

Mrs O’Leary was transferred by air ambulance from Cork Airport to London last Saturday evening. A team of medical experts flew with her, as did her husband, Des. The couple’s two children, Emma (13) and Dillon (6), remained in Cork where they are being looked after by relatives of the family.