Aaron Christopher Hanrahan from Alleen, Donohill had sued the HSE through his mother Marianna Cunningham…the action has been settled with an interm payment of 3.5 million euro
Counsel for the HSE in the High Court today said South Tipperary General hospital wished to “sincerely and unreservedly apologise for the catastrophic injuries suffered by Aaron at the time of his birth and the tragic outcome for him and his family”.
Aaron and his parents Marianne Cunningham and Peter Hanrahan of Alleen, Donohill were in court today for the ruling
Senior Counsel Denis McCullough told the court Ms Cunningham, whose baby was due in June 2004, had been admitted to South Tipperary General Hospital in April 2004.
A CTG recording of the foetal heartbeat was started at 8pm on 18 April and continued until after 10pm, but the court was told it had been abnormal from 9pm.
The trace was restarted later that night and then turned off again, and restarted just before 6am the following morning with Aaron born after 9am.
Counsel said if Aaron had been delivered by 1am, the degree of injury would have been lessened.
The court heard that due to cutbacks in the HSE, the 12 year old's speech and language therapy had been stopped two years ago while his physiotherapy sessions had also been stopped last year,
Approving the 3.5 million euro interim settlement Mr Justice Kevin Cross wished Aaron and his family all the best.
The case will come back before the court in nine years when Aaron's future care needs will be assessed.
Outside court Ms Cunningham, in a statement on behalf of herself and her partner Mr Hanrahan, said they were delighted and relieved their lengthy battle for justice for their son have been achieved.
