Family ‘have lost confidence in HSE’ to provide for son

The parents of a man with locked in syndrome after an operation at Cork University Hospital have told the High Court they have totally lost confidence in the HSE as a provider of services for their son.

Eoin O’Mahony was a Leaving Cert student in 2001 when he had headaches and was admitted to CUH, where brain surgery was carried out. He lapsed into a coma-like state and suffered devastating brain injuries.

Four years ago, Eoin, now aged 30, settled his High Court action with an interim payout of €2.9m and a further interim payment of €1.2m two years ago.

His family have pleaded with the High Court to allow their legal case to final end with a capital lump sum payment.

Paul Sreenan, counsel for Edmund and Karen O’Mahony, Station Road, Blarney, Co Cork yesterday told the court the family has also lost confidence in “the State’s bona fides” in bringing in legislation to allow for periodic payments for the catastrophically injured.

The HSE has offered a five year periodic payment in the case.

The case before Mr Justice Michael Moriarty continues today.