🔍 Case Overview: Kathleen Healy (July 13, 2022)
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Patient profile & procedure
Kathleen Healy, in her early 80s and living independently in Sligo, underwent a gastroscopic procedure at Sligo University Hospital in mid‑July 2022 to investigate epigastric pain and heartburn. The endoscopy was performed under sedation by a Surgical Registrar. -
Injury event
During intubation of the oesophagus, blood was observed emerging from her mouth and nose. The procedure was promptly halted. Subsequent imaging revealed a perforation of her oropharynx, a serious injury to the throat. -
Resulting complications
She developed a life-threatening infection, underwent a prolonged ICU stay—nearly a month—and lost her ability to eat or drink. From September 2022 onward, she has relied on tube feeding. Ultimately, she was discharged in February 2023 to a nursing home in Dublin, far from her community and her late husband’s grave . -
Impact before injury
Before the procedure, Ms Healy was fit, healthy, and highly independent. Afterward, she required full-time care and lost all independence .
⚖️ Legal Proceedings & Apology
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Claim and settlement
A personal injury claim was filed against the Health Service Executive. The matter proceeded to the High Court, where the case was settled on 21 January 2025. The settlement terms remain confidential. During the hearing, a letter of apology was formally read on behalf of Sligo University Hospital and the HSE, acknowledging both the perforation and its “life‑changing” impact on Ms Healy’s life. -
Formal apology
The letter expressed a “sincere apology” for the perforation suffered during the procedure. Ms Healy reportedly accepted the apology and has forgiven the registrar involved, though she remained distressed by the hospital’s initial inclination to discharge her prematurely. -
Family reflections
Ms Healy’s daughter described the past two years as “horrific,” and expressed gratitude that the settlement would assist in securing necessary therapies and appropriate care arrangements. She also noted it had been “a long time coming” before the apology was issued in court.