A Tipperary family has received an apology in the High court today after a father and son died 16 months apart as a result of serious failings in their medical care.
74 year old Eddie Lonergan from Templenoe in Cashel died a day after he was discharged from St Lukes in Kilkenny.
Just over a year later, his son PJ died after being discharged from South Tipp General despite suffering from cardiac problems.
This morning’s case was a first of its kind for the HSE and the Irish legal system.
In January 2013, 74 year old Eddie Lonergan was discharged from the psychiatric unit of St Lukes Hospital in Kilkenny.
He took his own life the following day.
Sixteen months later, his 39 year old son PJ presented at the Emergency Department of South Tipp General with chest pains.
He was later discharged despite suffering from an infection in his heart muscle.
He suffered a cardiac arrest at home the next day and sadly died.
Both St Lukes and South General apologised to the Lonergan family in the High court while awards were also approved in relation to both cases.
Outside the court, the family’s solicitor Cian O’Carroll said this case again highlights the delays that families are forced to endure in getting apologies for the wrong doings of the Health service.
While Esther Lonergan said the length of time it took to receive an apology took away from them
