Child has wrong kidney removed

A young child has had the wrong kidney removed following a surgical error at one of Ireland's leading hospitals.

In a statement, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin confirmed that “a significant and regrettable medical error occurred recently in relation to a patient”.

“An internal review was initiated and continues to completion in relation to the facts surrounding the error. The Board of Directors of the hospital will consider the detail of the review and act where appropriate.

“The parents of the patient were immediately informed of the incident.

“The family were and continue to be given full support by the hospital staff. The staff of Our Lady's have reiterated to the family our sincere apologies for this most unfortunate error.

“The patient has been discharged from the hospital and continues to recover. The family are happy to remain at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin for follow up care.

“A copy of the internal review report will be shared with the family once completed. They are being kept fully informed of the review process.

“This is an unprecedented event at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin and the focus of our response is to support the family, establish the facts and ensure the ongoing safety of all the children we serve at the hospital.

“The family have asked the hospital, on their behalf, to appeal to the media to respect their privacy and do no want any personal publicity.

“The family will not be making any comment.”

Minister for Health Mary Harney said she was confident the hospital would carry out a full investigation.