Family of woman, 60, who died after going to hospital with abdominal pain settle action

The grandmother of three went in to Sligo University Hospital in August 2020 for investigation of abdominal pain but wasn't diagnosed with chronic appendicitis until April 2021

The family had sued the HSE over the care her mother received at Sligo University Hospital. File picture

The family of a 60-year-old woman who died have settled a High Court action over her care when she went to hospital with abdominal pain.

Grandmother of three Martina Calpin from Boyle, Roscommon, had gone to Sligo University Hospital in August 2020 for investigation of abdominal pain. She was treated conservatively for appendicitis but returned in September 2020 complaining of repeat symptoms.

It is claimed her condition was again managed conservatively but she required a laparoscopic appendectomy in January 2021. Due to ongoing complaints, she was re-admitted to Sligo University Hospital in April 2021 and diagnosed with chronic appendicitis.

She had a procedure in April 2021 and it was claimed developed sepsis and had other procedures. Mrs Calpin was later transferred to another hospital where she died on November 10, 2022.

The appropriate treatment which was an appendectomy was allegedly delayed, it was claimed, resulting in Mrs Calpin having to later undergo a procedure that was more complicated as a result of her worsened condition. All of the claims were denied.

Patricia Dillon SC, instructed by McGuigan Solicitors, told the court last week that Mrs Calpin’s death had a devastating effect on her family. The settlement against the HSE is without an admission of liability.

Family's claims

Charlene Caplin, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, had sued the HSE over the care her mother received at Sligo University Hospital. In the proceedings, it was claimed there was an alleged failure to provide the woman with proper care and an alleged failure to treat Mrs Calpin in a timely manner.

It was further claimed that alleged sub-standard care had been provided to Mrs Calpin. It was also claimed there was an alleged failure to diagnose or properly identify clinical evidence of peritonitis in the woman’s appendix on September 22, 2020.

There was, it was contended, an alleged failure to properly diagnose or otherwise consider the possibility of an inflamed appendix on September 22, 2020.

There was, it was further claimed, an alleged failure to act upon the woman’s worsening clinical symptoms the next day and a failure to carry out an appendectomy on Mrs Calpin.

Mrs Calpin, it was contended, had allegedly been denied a course of treatment and early clinical intervention that was appropriate in the circumstances of her condition.

In the proceedings, it was also claimed that Mrs Calpin had been allegedly denied the opportunity of earlier intervention which on balance would have resulted in her being discharged home five to 10 days later without any major complications.

All of the claims were denied. Noting the settlement and division of the statutory mental distress €35,000 payment, Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds said the family had been through a difficult time.