Mayo Hospital reaches settlement over patient death

A settlement has been reached in the Moyles family’s legal battle against the HSE following the death of 72-year-old Ann Moyles. Ms Moyles passed away on 30 December 2017, 11 days after Mayo Hospital admitted her into their care.

Despite complaining of weakness and shortness of breath due to a lack of free beds, the mother of seven remained in the Emergency Department on a trolley for 20 hours. The next day, when the family came to visit, Ms Moyles was found still on a trolley, gasping for air in a cubicle shared with other patients. Only then, upon insisting that an available doctor be found, do the family believe any care commenced.

Counsel for the Moyles asserted the hospital’s conduct and numerous errors led directly to her death. One failing identified during the trial was Ms Moyles being extubated on 23 December. Ms Moyles was suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and required ongoing intubation, according to an expert.

Reading a statement in the High Court, the hospital manager, Catherine Donohue (Mayo Hospital), sincerely to the family for the shortcomings in Ms Moyles’ treatment. She also acknowledged that saying sorry could not bring their mother back.

The family wishes to draw attention to the state of the country’s health service, which they have branded a “shambles and a disgrace.” They expressed sadness that medical staff (Mayo Hospital) often leave patients unattended on trolleys in hospital halls. The family has spent the last six years fighting for justice for Ms Moyles and still feels that no positive developments have been made within the system.

If you or a family member has received substandard medical treatment and suffered severe repercussions, our team of medical negligence solicitors have over 30 years of experience and can assist you in filing a compensation claim.