University Hospital Galway have apologised to the family of a Portuguese man following his death back in 2024.
The hospital have "sincerely and unreservedly apologised" to the family of Henrique Coelho for deficiencies in the care which led to his death on 20 January 2024. Mr Coelho, aged 26 was from An Ruán Mór, Baile Chláir, Co Galway.
The hospital sent a letter to the deceased's parents back in May, where they acknowledged that "no words can alleviate your loss", and extended their deepest condolences to Mr Coelho's "very sad and untimely death".
In court, it was revealed that Mr Coelho was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department on 18 January 2024, having complained of shortness of breath and chest pains. He was assessed by a physician who ordered an electrocardiogram (ECG), chest x ray and blood tests, according to reports from RTÉ.
However, despite abnormalities in his calves, and an abnormal ECG, it was concluded that Mr Coelho was likely to be suffering from a lower respiratory tract infection, before being discharged.
However, the deceased began to experience shortness of breath during the early hours of 20 January, and was taken by ambulance back to the hospital. During the transfer, he collapsed before going into cardiac arrest and dying.
Following an autopsy, it was found his cause of death was from a pulmonary thromboembolism, a blood clot restricting blood flow to an artery in the lung caused by deep vein thrombosis. Obesity was also mentioned as another significant condition.
On behalf of her family, Mr Coelho's mother, Silvia Gamela sought damages for loss and damages pursuant to the Civil Liability Acts, including damages for personal injuries, loss, damage, and expense caused by the negligence and breach of duty by Galway University Hospital (GUH).
The deceased's mother claimed that her son's death was the result of negligence and breach of duty by GUH, including a failure to identify swelling of the calves, as the right calf had a 5 cm greater circumference than his left.
Other allegations included a failure to identify signs of deep vein thrombosis, and other symptoms, with a pulmonary embolism claimed to be likely. The family also stated that appropriate blood tests were not carried out.
Following this, the family were awarded the maximum sum of €35,000 at the High Court yesterday, under the Civil Liability Act. Mr Coelho's ex wife received €15,000, while his mother, Silvia received €20,000.
Afterwards, Silvia Gamela told RTÉ News: "We were more than mother and son. We were best friends. [Henrique was] my confidant, my protector. We went through so many things. My son was special. He was generous. He was a giver, a carer".
Meanwhile, Ciaran Tasney of Damian Tansey Solicitors, who represented the family also told the broadcaster: "Their child, Henrique, was Silvia's only child, and it's been incredibly difficult for everybody, particularly Silvia and indeed her wider family. It’s an indictment of the Irish health service".
He said that the family had found it "incredibly difficult to stomach what has happened".
Mr Tansey went on to say that an inquest into Mr Coelho's death took place on 19 May of this year in Galway City, with the coroner investigating all circumstances surrounding Henrique's death, and ruled a verdict of medical misadventure after hearing all evidence.
