Woman launches court bid to force hospital treatment

A Dublin woman has begun her legal fight at the High Court to force a hospital to give her treatment for cancer.

Jeannette Byrne from Finglas Park is suffering from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and was prescribed seven sessions of chemotherapy after undergoing an eight-hour operation at the Mater Hospital last February.

Ms Byrne needs continuing, on-going treatment, but her legal counsel say they have called the hospital a number of times, only to be told there was no bed available.

The court heard this afternoon that there is still no bed available and Ms Byrne is seeking an injunction directing the hospital and the Eastern Regional Health Authority to provide treatment.

Her barrister claims that to deny her the right to life is unconstitutional.

Ms Byrne has expressed fear for her life if the delay continues.