HSE apologises for 'failings' that led to girl's death at University Hospital Limerick

Niamh McNally died at University Hospital Limerick in January 2024.

The HSE issued an apology over the death of a teenage girl at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), acknowledging that there were “failings” in the care that led to her death. 

An inquest into the death of Niamh McNally, 16, from Bruff, Co Limerick, heard that she was admitted to UHL on January 9, 2024, because she was coughing up blood. 

She stayed in the hospital for two weeks and was treated for a collapsed lung before being discharged.

She was then readmitted to UHL on January 29 by ambulance, as she was again coughing up blood and struggling to breathe. 

She died that night.

The teenager had a congenital heart defect and scoliosis.

Upon her readmittance to hospital, she was to be brought to a resuscitation area but shortly afterwards, she was taken out to a trolley on a corridor where she remained.

At the inquest, the HSE Midwest gave a letter of apology to the family, saying that it was with “deepest regret and profound sadness that we write to you following the tragic loss of your daughter, Niamh”.

“We understand that no words can adequately express the pain and grief you are experiencing, and we offer our sincerest condolences for your devastating loss," the letter said.

"We are heartbroken that Niamh, a young life with so much potential, was taken from you too soon, and we know that she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The circumstances surrounding Niamh’s passing are a source of immense sorrow for us, and we sincerely regret the opportunities that were missed to intervene. 

"We accept that these failings, which ultimately led to Niamh’s tragic death, should not have happened. 

"On behalf of the management and staff of the University Hospital, we wish to apologise unreservedly for these failings.” 

The letter said the HSE “can never undo the devastation that you and your extended family have suffered”.

“However, we are committed to learning from this tragedy and to implementing any necessary changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.” 

The inquest continues.