External review to be undertaken into maternal death at CUMH 

AN external review is to be conducted into the death of a pregnant woman at a maternity unit in Cork last week.

Stephy Scaria (née Ouseph), a nurse in University Hospital Kerry, died unexpectedly last Friday, after a caesarean section at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH).

A spokesperson for the hospital told The Echo, “Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) is confirming that a maternal death has occurred in recent days.

“The coroner has been notified and in line with the HSE policy on all maternal deaths an external review will be undertaken.

“CUMH is providing bereavement support to the family at this very sad time. 

"Hospital management and staff at CUMH wish to express their condolences and deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased during this very difficult period.”

The woman's husband, Baiju Scaria, has started a GoFundMe to help cover the repatriation of his wife's remains to India and a funeral, which has raised €78,589 so far, with 2.7k donations.

He explained, “Tragically, my wife Stephy passed away on 21/06/2024 after a Caesarean in Cork University Hospital.

“We are absolutely devastated by Stephy’s passing and are struggling to find the funds to cover the cost of her funeral and the repatriation of her remains to India.

“We will need to pay all funeral costs, and we have started a fundraiser to collect donations for Stephy’s funeral service,” he said, adding “We are very grateful for every donation during this difficult time.”