Courts / Limerick / Report

Retired US academic wants to sue Irish hospital for alleged medical negligence

Date
2020-11-02

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

Thomas Regelski, a 79‑year‑old retired U.S. academic living in Helsinki, is suing University Hospital Limerick for alleged medical negligence. He was admitted to the hospital in June 2019 while holidaying in Ireland, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia and treated with antibiotics, including Levoflaxin, and steroids. Regelski claims that the combination of Levoflaxin and steroids, which national guidelines advise against, caused him to develop bilateral Achilles tendon ruptures. He says the injuries left him confined to a wheelchair for four weeks. To bring a High Court claim against the hospital, Regelski needs a Personal Public Service (PPS) number, which he has not received despite applying and providing all required documentation to the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. He is seeking a judicial order compelling the Minister to issue the PPS number and a declaration that the failure infringes his right of access to the courts.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Retired US academic wants to sue Irish hospital for alleged medical negligence. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

June 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
2020-11-02 Publication

Why: The action has been brought by 79-year-old Thomas Regelski, who the court heard requires a Personal Public Service (PPS) number in order to bring a High Court claim against University Hospital Limerick. Court evidence reported by CNI