A young girl who it is claimed has been left with some double vision after an alleged delay in treatment for an eye abscess has settled her High Court action for €115,000.
Lorna Browne was only seven and at school when she developed a very large and aggressive lump on her left eye, her counsel Patrick Treacy SC instructed by Cian O’Carroll solicitors told the court.
Counsel said it was their case that Lorna was admitted to the A&E department of University Hospital Limerick in December 2017 and did not have the abscess drained for two days.
Counsel said it was their further contention that the abscess should not have been drained by incision and the girl, who is now 13, has been left with a scar.
She has been left with double vision in her left eye and has to wear glasses with a prism as a result, he said.
Experts on both sides differ in relation to the double vision and the HSE experts said it was only in the extreme upper gaze, he said.
Lorna, of Galbally, Co Limerick, through her mother Catherine Browne sued the HSE.
She had been brought to the A&E when her swollen eye had not settled and she was also suffering from headaches.
She was admitted on December 1, 2017, and stayed there until she was transferred for the drainage surgery two days later. She remained in hospital for another eight days where she was treated with antibiotics.
It was claimed there was a failure to treat her effectively and expeditiously. The abscess drainage, it was contended, did not take place until December 3 when her presentation and investigations, including a CT scan on December 1, allegedly indicated that her condition required urgent attention.
Her treatment was delayed unduly and unnecessarily and allegedly gave rise to the double vision, it was claimed.
It was further claimed that a surgical procedure was performed in a manner was allegedly unnecessarily invasive and damaging to her appearance.
Counsel told the court a full defence was indicated in the case.
Approving the settlement Mr Justice Paul Coffey said it was fair and reasonable and he conveyed his best wishes to the young girl and her family.