Girl who got chemical-type burn as newborn baby in hospital settles case for €320,000

High Court reporters

A seven-year-old girl who as a newborn baby suffered a chemical-type burn after a wipe was allegedly left in her incubator at a maternity hospital has settled a High Court action for over €320,000.

Mr Justice Paul Coffey said it was a very severe case of scarring, but he was satisfied to approve the settlement which he said was fair and reasonable.

The girl’s counsel, Jonathan Kilfeather SC, told the High Court she had been left with scarring on her left hip and abdomen area and the girl may in the future require surgery for the scarring.

The girl, who cannot be named by order of the court, had sued The Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, over the alleged incident in 2017.

It was claimed she suffered a burn to her left flank, abdomen and thigh when the wipe, which contained a preparation of 2 per cent chlorhexidine gluconate, was allegedly not removed from her incubator. It was claimed this was first noted by nursing staff at around 1am, nine hours after the baby was born premature.

It was further claimed a note stated that that the wipe was very stuck to the area and there was an area on the baby which was coloured dark red. The wipe was removed, and the nappy changed.

In the proceedings it was claimed these types of wipes are designed for use as wipes and not for prolonged exposure to the skin.

It was alleged the wipe had been left attached to the baby’s thigh for too long and left under her nappy.

It was further claimed that there was a failure to remove the wipe and a failure to adhere to the product guidelines and advice for the use of such wipes.

The girl suffered a burn to her left thigh as a result, it was claimed.

All of the claims were denied.

The newborn was treated with antibiotics for seven days and was later transferred to another hospital for further treatment including dressings and a review by a plastic surgeon.

Counsel told the court that the girl’s muscular skeletal development had not been affected but she may require scar releasing surgery when she is older. He said her family was satisfied with the offer.

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey wished the little girl and her family well for the future.