Six-month-old boy was left brain damaged after surgery

A four-year-old boy who has been left profoundly brain damaged after an operation at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, yesterday launched a High Court action for damages.

Jude Miley was only six months old when a suture used in an operation to release his diaphragm and help his breathing remained untrimmed causing damage to the heart muscle. Two days later, Jude had a heart attack and had to be rushed to theatre for emergency surgery which saved his life.

Mr Justice Anthony Barr approved a €1.8m settlement figure for the provision of accommodation and loss of earnings at the outset of the hearing yesterday. He approved €900,000 for loss of earnings and €900,000 towards the purchase of a house. The court now has to assess damages in the case and the cost of care.