Cork mother honoured for her global patient safety crusade 

Patient advocate Dr Margaret Murphy pictured with her husband Barry after she was awarded an honorary doctorate at University College Cork (UCC). Barry was diagnosed with the same condition that killed their son Kevin three months after his death and successfully underwent treatment. Photo: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

A mother who became a fearless patient advocate following her son’s needless death more than 20 years ago has been honoured by University College Cork (UCC) for improving patient safety and healthcare systems around the world.

Dr Margaret Murphy, whose son, Kevin, died in 1999, aged 21, from a treatable condition following a series of medical oversights and blunders, said while much progress has been made, much more needs to be done. "The pace of change is very disappointing. It is far too slow for people like me," she said.