Family of deceased man settle negligence action against Cork hospital

The South Infirmary Hospital in Cork has issued an unreserved apology to the family of a man with Crohn's disease, who died as a result of medical negligence.

The widow and children of the late Barry Murphy of Meadowgrove, Westwood, Carrigaline, have received €500,000 in a settlement with the hospital.

Pale and distressed, 38-year-old father-of-two Barry Murphy was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain on the morning of April 24, 2008.

The court heard there was an unjustifiable delay in treating Mr Murphy, who suffered from Crohn's disease.

His widow's barrister, John Lucey, told the court that a litany of neglect led to him dying that night.

Barry Murphy's widow Mary spoke outside court after settling a negligence action.

"He was amazing, he was so, so lovely," she said.

"He was so kind, we knew each other, God, it seems like forever."

The hospital has admitted liability and in an unreserved apology it said it recognised that the level of care Barry Murphy received fell short of an acceptable standard.