A mother from County Down will receive "substantial" undisclosed damages over alleged hospital treatment failures and care given to her daughter.
Christina Campbell from Ballygowan brought medical negligence lawsuits over treatment she received at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald after her daughter, Jessica, died in 2017 with a rare genetic disorder.
The claim said that failure to test Ms Campbell during her pregnancy meant the condition went undetected. Damages were also sought for an alleged "ineffective" end of life care plan for the four month old.
Jessica was diagnosed with trisomy 13 shortly after her birth in December 2016. She experienced feeding and respiratory difficulties, as well as a congenital heart defect and a bilateral cleft lip and palate.
She was discharged from hospital with a home-based end-of-life care plan, including community and respite referral to the hospice, but a few months later.
The claims said a failure to provide Ms Campbell with a amniocentesis test, which checks for genetic or chromosomal conditions, meant Jessica's condition was not discovered sooner.
The lawsuit also highlighted concerns about Jessica's hospice treatment. It includes alleged uncertainty about the provision of humidified oxygen, a defective feeding pump and delays in a specific feeding plan and saline nebuliser being provided for the family.
The family's solicitor said the awarding of damages "signifies the importance of lessons learned" as a result of Ms Campbell's campaign.
"It is hoped that lessons can now be learned to ensure no other family has to go through a similar experience," he said.
Source: BBC News, 29 September 2022
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