Hospital apologises to 93-year old woman over fall

High Court heard fall had a life-changing effect on the woman, who now has mobility issues and has had a number of falls since

Woman settled an action against Cavan General Hospital over her fall last year. Picture: Kevin Clancy/ViewPoint

A hospital has apologised to a 93-year old woman for a lapse in care after she suffered a fall in a ward bathroom.

The apology was read out in the High Court as 93-year old Elizabeth Lily McMahon settled an action over the fall at Cavan General Hospital last year.

Her counsel, Jeremy Maher SC instructed by PBN Litigation Solicitors, told the court the fall on April 18, 2024, was a life-changing event for the woman. Prior to being in hospital, he said, she did not have any mobility issues, but since then she has had a number of falls.

Counsel said the hospital fall has had a devastating effect on Mrs McMahon.

“Simply put, she should not have been left alone. She should have been supervised,” counsel added. He said the apology was some comfort to Mrs McMahon.

In the apology, Cavan General Hospital acting general manager Laura Waters said on behalf of the management and staff at the hospital she acknowledged the distress caused.

She apologised to Mrs McMahon “for the lapse in care rendered to you”. 

Elizabeth Lily McMahon, 93, from Monaghan, had sued the HSE.

She had gone to the hospital on April 17 last year complaining of a pain in her left arm.

She was admitted on April 18 and transferred to a medical ward. She was later found on the floor of the bathroom by a nurse, but the fall was unwitnessed.

In the proceedings, it was claimed there was an alleged failure to exercise an adequate standard of skill, care and diligence in managing, treating and monitoring Mrs McMahon.

It was further claimed there was an alleged failure to adequately conduct a falls risk assessment and an alleged failure to classify Mrs McMahon accurately as a high falls risk, and to take all appropriate steps to assist her or safeguard her.

It was also contended Mrs McMahon had been left unattended to mobilise unaided and she suffered an unwitnessed fall.

She was found on the floor, having struck her head, and she had bruising to her left eye and arms. She also suffered a rib fracture and had to wear a brace afterwards.