HSE to pay €302k over man’s death

THE wife and family of a man given some aspirin and diagnosed as having “atypical chest pain” in hospital, but who died six months later of heart disease, secured €302,500 in a settlement approved in the High Court.

The proceedings were taken by Hazel Cummins of Kilbride Grove, Bray, Co Wicklow, against the Health Service Executive who conceded liability. Mr Justice Vivian Lavan extended sympathy to Ms Cummins who has five children.

Denis McCullough SC for Ms Cummins submitted in a statement of claim that his client’s husband Alan, 39, had been working as a security guard. On June 9, 2004, he attended his GP complaining of severe bouts of chest pain which radiated to the jaw lasting about an hour and occurring with movement.

Because of this, and having regard to his family history, he was referred to the Accident and Emergency Department of St Columcilles Hospital, Loughlinstown, for further treatment.

On June 10 an assessment took place at the hospital and he was given some aspirin.

An ECG was interpreted as showing no acute change and the examining doctors allegedly concluded that the deceased was suffering from “atypical chest pain”. He was reviewed later that day and discharged back to the care of his GP.

On December 23, 2004, in the course of his work as a security man he was found dead by a work colleague. An inquest into his death was given as ischaemic heart disease associated with systemic atheroma.