HSE issues formal apology after Bryonny Sainsbury died from horse crush injuries

Michael Bolton

The HSE and Department of Health have issued a public apology to the family of Bryonny Sainsbury.

In 2021, she was tending to a horse in a stable when it bolted, and she suffered a serious head injury.

She passed away days later.

A joint apology from the HSE and Department of Health says the system failed the young woman and her family.

The HSE says it's committed to implementing the changes required and has published a review into the incident.

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, commenting said, “In my time as Minister for Health, I have met many families who have experienced the devastating loss of a loved one, and I am always humbled by their generosity and willingness to help improve the health service and protect others.

"The Sainsbury family may never know how many lives will be saved or improved through their advocacy and sharing their most painful of experiences. This is the poignant but enduring legacy of their beloved Bryonny.

“I want to reassure them of our collective commitment to improve the culture in our health services so that everyone experiences the support they deserve at their times of greatest trauma and distress.

"There is no space in our health services for not listening to families, for not treating patients and families with respect and compassion, for not communicating openly and honestly.”

Bernard Gloster, CEO of the HSE said, “The family’s courage and generosity in participating in the review process has directly contributed to the development of the National Patient Safety Alert for Clinical Governance of Traumatic Brain Injury, an important national safeguard designed to strengthen patient safety and ensure that the voices of patients and families are heard.

"Their tireless advocacy to bring about these necessary changes to the healthcare system is recognised, and these reforms will serve as your daughter Bryonny’s enduring legacy.

“We are fully committed to driving the cultural and systemwide changes required to ensure that no other family endures what the Sainsbury family has been through.

"We reaffirm our commitment to the core values of listening, compassion, respect, and open communication—values that must guide every interaction within our health system.

“We hope that today’s apology, together with the publication of the review, offers some measure of acknowledgement and support as the Sainsbury family continue to live with the loss of Bryonny. We again extend our heartfelt condolences.”