Courts / Meath / Report

Hospital apologises to businessman over error in interpreting late wife's ultrasound

Date
2022-04-28
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dunboyne
County
Meath

Summary

In a High Court settlement, St James Hospital apologised to Barry Comer for misinterpreting two ultrasound scans of his late wife, Lyndsey Comer, who died of cancer in 2017. The hospital admitted the scans in October 2015 and January 2016 were incorrectly read as a possible muscle bleed, leading to a delayed cancer diagnosis. The settlement included a €25,000 payment, coverage of legal costs, and a commitment to review procedures to prevent recurrence. The court heard the CEO's apology and the judge noted the case was "sad" and "difficult." Mr Comer, a businessman and Gaelic footballer, expressed relief that the matter was resolved and emphasised the importance of accurate medical assessment. The hospital denied that earlier diagnosis would have altered the outcome.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Hospital apologises to businessman over error in interpreting late wife's ultrasound. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Case subjects

Barry Comer

Applicant

Lyndsey Comer

Applicant

St James

Applicant

Places mentioned

Facility
  • Dublin
  • Dublin hospital
  • St James Hospital
Court Venue
  • High Court
Residence

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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