Inquest hears from specialist involved in fatal operation

An inquest into the death of a two-year-old boy during surgery at a Dublin hospital has heard that one of the specialists carrying out the procedure was not informed that the toddler's vital signs had changed during the operation.

Pierce Nowlan, a severe haemophiliac, died as a result of blood loss after one of his arteries was punctured by a needle during the surgery at Crumlin Children's Hospital in October 2004.

Medical staff from the hospital are giving evidence at the inquest into the death today.

Dr Alan Mortel, a specialist involved in the operation, told the hearing that he was aware that the subclavian artery had been punctured during the procedure, but did not know it had caused any adverse effects.

Dr Mortel said he left the hospital unaware that the boy was developing a serious condition.