The family of an elderly man who died 13 days after he was admitted to hospital has settled a High Court case.
A judge was told there had been a “catalogue of errors” in the care provided to John McGowan, 88, four years ago.
It was claimed the father of seven would have lived had he been properly treated in time for sepsis and kidney failure.
Mr McGowan was taken to Sligo General Hospital on April 6, 2015, where it is alleged his admission assessment only focused on a knee complaint.
It was claimed his kidney function was very impaired and poor monitoring of his renal condition and hydration status allowed his health to worsen.
The court was told his renal failure and pneumonia was not treated for eight days and he passed away on April 19.
Lawyer Doireann O’Mahony said liability was at issue in the case. Mr McGowan’s daughter Caroline Mullarkey, from Ballinfull, Co Sligo, had sued the HSE for nervous shock over the death.
The court heard she suffered nightmares after her father passed away.
The judge was told the deceased, from Drumcliffe, Co Sligo, had been fit and healthy and still driving his own car and had a farm.
It was claimed the ward where Mr McGowan was being treated was chaotic and communication was poor.
At a meeting in June 2015, it was claimed the hospital had expressed regret to the deceased’s family that it did not have an orthogeriatric consultant post at the time.
All the allegations were denied by health officials.
Approving the confidential settlement, Mr Justice Kevin Cross offered his sympathy to the McGowans.
