University Hospital Kerry has apologised to the widow of a young man from Ballymacelligott for “deficits and shortcomings of care” in his treatment.
37-year-old Liam Duggan died from septicaemia on May 9th, 2017.
He had a rare form of colitis.
His widow Catherine has settled her action against the HSE for a substantial sum according to a statement released on behalf of her legal team.
It's alleged Mr Duggan had been discharged from hospital prematurely.
Mrs Duggan said she and her children had had to fight tooth and nail to get justice for a wonderful husband and father who should have been in the prime of his life.
On March 18th, 2017, Liam Duggan who was a pro golfer, presented to UHK complaining of abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. He was discharged on April 3rd; Catherine Duggan's legal team claimed there'd been a breach of care in a failure to perform a repeated abdominal CT scan to investigate her husband's condition before his discharge.
Nine days later on April 12th, 2017, Mr Duggan was admitted via UHK's emergency department with abdominal pain, vomiting with diarrhoea, high temperature and high pulse, and what Mrs Duggan's representatives said was “clear evidence of sepsis”. Two days later he was transferred to Cork University Hospital where he died on May 9th, 2017.
The general manager of UHK, Fearghal Grimes said: “University Hospital Kerry would like to acknowledge the deficits of care which resulted in the untimely death of your husband and father, Liam. We recognise that this loss has had a profound and devastating effect on you and your family.”
The general manager of UHK, Fearghal Grimes has offered his “heartfelt apologies” to Mrs Duggan and her children, Jack and Amelia.
He stated: “University Hospital Kerry would like to acknowledge the deficits of care which resulted in the untimely death of your husband and father, Liam. We recognise that this loss has had a profound and devastating effect on you and your family.”
Catherine Duggan was represented in the High Court by HOMS Assist Solicitors, senior counsel Eugene Gleeson and barrister Abdulla Morgan Camber.
Mrs Duggan's solicitor Rachael O'Shaughnessy praised Mrs Duggan for her perseverance despite receiving no open disclosure from UHK and no answers from her husband's inquest.
Outside the court, Ms O'Shaughnessy read a statement issued by Mrs Duggan.
In a statement issued on behalf of Mrs Duggan and her legal team, Liam Duggan was described as someone who endeared himself to everyone he encountered in life. He was a PGA advanced golf professional and was posthumously awarded the President's Award for golf development in 2017 in recognition of his tireless efforts and huge success in developing golf in schools and promoting inclusivity.
Catherine Duggan said her husband was a family man whose life revolved around their young children, Jack and Amelia, whom he adored.
The full statement issued by UHK's general manager, Fearghal Grimes states: "University Hospital Kerry would like to acknowledge the deficits of care which resulted in the untimely death of your husband and father, Liam. We recognise that this loss has had a profound and devastating effect on you and your family. I wish to offer my heartfelt apologies for the shortcomings in the care provided and for the distress suffered by you, Jack and Amelia."
