Court reduces pay award for woman who underwent symphysiotomy

The Supreme Court has cut the €450,000 awarded to a 60-year-old Co Louth woman who underwent symphysiotomy in 1969.

Olivia Kearney of Rosses Hollow, Milestown, Castlebellingham will now receive €325,000 damages as a result of the controversial procedure carried out at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda in 1969.

The discontinued practice involves the enlargement of the pelvis for childbirth but in this instance it was carried out on the then 18-year-old following the successful delivery of her first born at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

While the court said that "one cannot underestimate the devastating effects of the procedure" it has cut the €450,000 general damages awarded to Ms Kearney in the High Court down to €325,000.

The five judges found the original award was too high and warranted only for what is classed as truly catastrophic injuries involving brain damage or tetraplegia.