Sarah McFeely with her parents Ray and Bronagh at the High Court in Dublin. Photo: Courtpix
BY SEÁN P. FEENY
THE parents of a Letterkenny girl who has won High Court action against the HSE have said the would encourage any families in a similar not to be afraid of coming forward to investigate any concerns over the medical treatment of their children.
On Wednesday Sarah McFeely (4), the daughter of Ray McFeely and Bronagh Colhoun, Cill Greine, Lismonaghan, was awarded €1.3m over alleged negligence arising out of the circumstances of her birth at Letterkenny General Hospital in 2008.
The Donegal News first reported the story of the young girl was born with Dyskinetic C.P, a form of Cerebral Palsy, in January last year when friends and family of her parents started the Sarah’s Smile campaign to raise funds to send her to Hungary for treatment.
The young girl went to the famous Peto Institute in Budapest for a month’s therapy where she received a special form of education known as conductive education under Dr Andras Peto.
Dyskinetic C.P causes people with the condition to have trouble holding themselves in an upright, steady position for sitting or walking, and often showing involuntary motions.
Speaking on behalf of the parents yesterday morning (Thursday), Mr David O’Malley of Tansey Callan Solicitors said the parents wished to state that ‘no monetary amount can ever compensate Sarah for the catastrophic circumstances surrounding her birth’.
“The family is disappointed that the HSE did not contact them with an explanation at an earlier stage. The HSE only admitted liability late last year subjecting the family to the risk of astronomical costs.
“The family welcomes the settlement for the security it will provide Sarah for the future. A structured settlement takes away the guess work of predicting Sarah’s life expectancy.
“Regular reviews of Sarah’s needs will ensure that she keeps pace with advancements in aid and assist of technology, all the while factoring in her cognitive development. Most importantly, Sarah’s care needs will always be provided for.”
Mr O’Malley said Sarah’s family would like to thank all their friends and family who have supported them throughout. “Finally, Ray and Bronagh would like to pay tribute to their beautiful girl who continues to amaze them every day,” said Mr O’Malley.
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