Hospital apologises to woman whose throat was perforated during diagnostic procedure

A woman in her 80s has received an apology in the High Court for the perforation of her throat during a gastroscopic procedure.

Sligo University Hospital apologised and acknowledged the perforation has had a “life-changing” effect on Kathleen Healy.

Ms Healy, from Rathedmond in Sligo, on Tuesday settled her personal injuries claim against the Health Service Executive (HSE).

She alleged she had been fit, healthy and living very independently at home before being referred for the diagnostic procedure in July 2022 due to pain and heartburn.

The perforation has caused her to require tube feeding and has forced her to move into a nursing home far from her late husband’s grave, she claimed.

She was sedated for the procedure, which was to be performed by a surgical registrar. However, it was alleged the registrar noted blood oozing from Ms Healy’s mouth and nose on attempting intubation and the procedure was abandoned.

Ms Healy was transferred to intensive care before being moved to Galway University Hospital for care under its specialised cardio-thoracic team.

It was alleged that the team in Galway noted an infection and a perforation of her oropharynx, which is part of the throat. She spent almost a month in the hospital’s intensive care unit.

She claimed she was later advised the perforation could not be fully repaired and that she would require ongoing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding.

In February 2023 she was transferred from hospital to a nursing home.

Ms Healy (82) alleged she suffered severe personal injury as a result of negligence and breach of duty by the HSE.

A letter on behalf of Sligo University Hospital and the HSE offered a “sincere apology for the perforation suffered” during the procedure in July 2022.

Ms Healy’s senior counsel, Liam Reidy, told the court she accepted the apology and forgives the registrar who caused the perforation.

Mr Reidy, instructed by Karen Kearney of Cantillons Solicitors, said Ms Healy remains somewhat distressed that the hospital wanted to discharge her after the procedure and she is grateful for the care she received in Galway.

The settlement’s terms are confidential.

Outside court, Ms Healy’s daughter, Siobhán Brosnan, said the settlement will help with additional therapies and care.

They are grateful for the apology, but it was a “long time coming” and the last two years have been “horrific” for Ms Healy, Ms Brosnan said.

“My mum is 82, but she has loads of ambitions and loads of plans. She is not the type of lady to just sit in a room… My mum wants to live,” said Ms Brosnan.