A WOMAN who fell in a toilet cubicle at Beaumont Hospital a day and a half after brain surgery has settled a High Court action for €2 million.
Jacinta Flood was recovering from surgery for a benign brain tumour at the Dublin hospital six years ago, when it is claimed she allegedly suffered injuries in the unwitnessed fall, the High Court heard.
Her counsel, John Healy SC with Doireann O’Mahony BL, instructed by Callan Tansey solicitors, told the court that while there was nursing supervision of Ms Flood, 57, after the surgery, it was their case that at the time of the fall, two nurses were allegedly outside the toilet cubicle.
The court was told that there was no criticism of the surgery carried out at Beaumont Hospital.
Counsel said it was their case that after the fall Ms Flood suffered a severe and sudden deterioration and was rushed to theatre for emergency brain surgery.
Mr Healy said there were profound changes in Ms Flood’s cognition, personality, and mobility, and she now requires constant supervision.
He said she has right-sided weakness, is at risk of falling, and has severely impaired memory.
The settlement, which was reached after mediation, is without an admission of liability and counsel said a full defence was put forward in the case.
All of the claims were denied and the hospital contended that Ms Flood was closely monitored.
Counsel said the case involved “multiple risks”.
He said there was no criticism of the brain surgery or the supervision after but solely during the time Ms Flood was in the toilet cubicle.
Outside court, Ms Flood’s daughter, Rachel, said her mother was an amazing woman and her personality has now changed and she forgets everything and needs 24-hour care.
She said the settlement would make it easier on the family.
Ms Flood, of Letterkenny, Donegal, sued Beaumont Hospital through her husband, Cathal Flood.
Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said it was clear that every aspect of the case would have been contested if it had gone to a full hearing.
He said the settlement was fair and reasonable.
