Couple awarded €70k for son’s death at Cavan General Hospital

The family of a baby who died two days after being delivered at Cavan General Hospital yesterday settled their action against the HSE for €70,000.

Baby Jamie Flynn died in his mother’s arms at just two days old. His parents, Francis Flynn and Fiona Watters, sued the HSE for the mental distress and shock they suffered following the death of their son, who was born at Cavan Hospital on November 22, 2012.

The HSE admitted liability in the case in July 2014.

Yesterday in the High Court, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys approved the €70,000 settlement.

Jamie’s parents, with an address at Tara Court Square, Navan, Co Meath, had brought proceedings against the HSE arising out of what they said were the “traumatic circumstances” of their son’s birth.

The action was brought as a result of the “prolonged and long-lasting grief”, distress, and suffering the family had suffered caused by Jamie’s untimely death.

At the inquest into baby Jamie’s death last year, a verdict of medical misadventure was returned by coroner Brian Farrell, who said hyper-stimulation of the uterus was the principal risk factor identified in the baby’s death.

Jamie was delivered at Cavan General Hospital by caesarian section.

However, the infant had no heartbeat or breath reflex when he was delivered. He was resuscitated by medical staff.

Due to his serious condition, Jamie was transferred to the intensive care unit of the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin and was put on a ventilator. On November 24, the decision was taken to switch off the ventilator and Jamie died in his mother’s arms.

Lawyers for the family said the protracted hearing of an inquest into Jamie’s death had also added to their distress.

The judge in directing that the monies be paid to the family also said a sum of €5,000 out of the award should be paid into court for the benefit of the couple’s younger daughter.