The High Court has approved an interim settlement of €1.65 million for Charlotte Barry of Sandymount, Dublin, against the National Maternity Hospital.
It was claimed in court that the hospital failed to properly manage the labour, delivery and birth of Charlotte, who suffered hypoxic-ischaemic insult resulting in cerebral palsy. The young child now requires constant care.
The case was taken by Charlotte’s mother, Aisling Campbell, as her ‘next friend’. The hospital admitted full liability.
Although the compensation payments system is under review, there is not yet any legislation in Ireland that allows for staged payments. The case has therefore been adjourned for two years on the understanding that the €1.65 million interim payment will be made immediately.