Woman with cerebral palsy begins court action against HSE

A young woman who has suffered from cerebral palsy since birth has today begun High Court action against the HSE for alleged medical negligence arising out the circumstances of her delivery at a Co Donegal hospital.

The action is being brought on behalf of by Lauren Tinney (aged 23) who is confined to a wheelchair, unable to walk or stand, has no power in her left hand and requires a great deal of care.

Through her mother, Eleanor Tinney of Lisowen Avenue, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, Lauren has brought an action seeking damages against the HSE arising out of her birth at Letterkenny General Hospital on May 31, 1988. The HSE deny the claims against it.

Lauren claims that due to the HSE negligence around the time of her birth she suffering severe foetal distress and asyphixiation that resulted in suffering from cerebral palsy.

It is claimed the HSE was negligent on grounds including that it failed to properly monitor Lauren in the womb after her mother was admitted to hospital.

It is also claimed the HSE failed to ensure that Lauren was properly supervised in the days preceding her delivery.

It is also claimed that due to the alleged negligence members of Lauren's family suffered severe mental distress.

In its defence the HSE has denied that it was negligent or that Lauren's family suffered any mental distress.

The hearing, which is expected to last several weeks before Mr Justice Sean Ryan, continues.