€9m final payment for child who suffered injuries at birth

A 14-year-old girl who has cerebral palsy as a result of injuries caused at her birth at Midland Regional Hospital has settled her High Court action with a final payment of €9m.

This brings to a total of €11.6m the amount paid to Roisin Conroy who two years ago received an apology from the HSE and the constultant obstetrician who treated her, as she settled her case with an interim payment of €2.6m.

Roisin Conroy can only communciate with her eyes and is permanently disabled; has dyskinetic cerebral palsy; and needs a wheelchair to get around.

Roisin had sued the HSE and a consultant obstetrician through her mother, Mary Conroy, of Dysart, Portlaoise, Laois .

In court yesterday, Mr Justice Kevin Cross said that the final settlement was a very good one and would look after Roisin’s needs for her life.

Outside court her father Kevin Conroy said while it was a very large settlement, it only reflected the catastrophic injuries suffered by Roisin and the complex needs she must endure for her entire life.

“Thankfully Roisin’s care is now secure for life and for that we are very grateful,” he said. “Obviously, like all other parents, this is the last place in the world you would want to be, but we are and we must move on.”

Two years ago, counsel for the HSE and consutlant obstetrician John Corristine read out an apology in open court.

When Roisin was born she was in poor condition and later had seizures and was transferred to a Dublin hospital.

Counsel told the court both parents had to give up their jobs to care for their daughter.