HSE orders external review into care of Cork couple who had pregnancy termination based on incorrect information

Rebecca Price and Patrick Kiely photographed in 2021. Mr Kiely previously told the Irish Examiner: 'The risk to other couples has not been addressed.' File picture: Moya Nolan

A review into the care given to a Cork couple who had a pregnancy termination based on incorrect information has been confirmed by the HSE, with an eight-week turnaround time.

In 2019, Rebecca Price and Pat Kiely were advised to terminate a pregnancy because of a fatal fetal abnormality, known as Trisomy 18, which was detected in a blood test 12 weeks into the pregnancy.

They followed the advice of their consultant and had a termination in March 2019.

However, the results of additional tests showed that the baby did not have the condition.

The couple has fought since then to have an external review, saying the same risks remain for other couples.

The review will be carried out by senior counsel Niall Buckley.

It will examine the care provided to the Kielys during their pregnancy and following the loss of their baby, Christopher. 

The announcement follows a meeting with HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster in November. 

On Thursday, Mr Gloster said: “I committed to commencing an independent external review of their case to understand fully what happened in relation to the care provided to them and ensure learning across our services.

“I have asked Mr Buckley to examine all of the elements of the care provided and to make recommendations, where appropriate. 

"The review process will begin immediately and will be concluded in the quickest timeframe possible.” 

The terms of reference say Mr Buckley “may make any recommendations as he sees fit”.

It says he should complete this “within a period of eight weeks or as soon thereafter as practicable”. 

A written report will follow. 

Mr Gloster added: “I again absolutely acknowledge that no words or actions can undo the loss suffered by Rebecca and Pat. 

"But I hope the establishment of this review will allow us better understand what went wrong in relation to their care and learn from it.” 

The couple previously spoke to Mick Clifford at the Irish Examiner of their long and frustrating battle to be heard. 

High Court actions 

This has included Mr Kiely personally contacting the master of the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) to explain what happened.

Eventually, in 2021, they settled High Court actions, with medical consultants operating at the Merrion Fetal Health Clinic, the NMH, and a Glasgow laboratory admitting full liability.

However, there was no investigation even after this settlement was reached. 

The couple has met with three health ministers during these year.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner previously, Mr Kiely said: 

We are different people than we were before this.

“Part of that is down to the tragedy, but the other thing is closure. There is still the ongoing risk as far as we are concerned. 

"The risk to other couples has not been addressed.”

Two weeks after the termination procedure was carried out, a final result came through from tests that had shown up the abnormality.

Instead of confirming the result, which they had been told was definitive, the final tests showed that a catastrophic error had been made.

• Niamh Griffin, Health Correspondent