The hospital where a mother and her newborn baby died after falling from their bed failed to tell gardai about the tragedy, we can reveal.
Marie Downey, 36, and her son Darragh died a day apart when she fell as she breastfed him on Monday at Cork University Maternity Hospital.
It is suspected the mum of three suffered a seizure between 7am and 8am.
Darragh, who was found underneath her on the ground, was seriously injured and lost his battle for life on Tuesday.
Both mum and son will be laid to rest together in Limerick tomorrow. The Irish Mirror was told the Coroner’s office was contacted about the incident but sources said gardai only learned of the double tragedy through media queries.
A source said: “It is normal procedure that when someone dies in the hospital – particularly in accidental or unusual circumstances – that gardai are notified.
“They carry out an investigation and compile a file for the coroner for inquest.
“The only time there is no investigation is when someone dies of an existing condition and their doctor certifies the cause of death as the illness. That did not happen in this circumstance.
“Gardai did not hear about this incident until media began making queries.”
CUMH were contacted for a statement but had not responded last night.
A spokesperson for South South West Hospital Group said last night: “In keeping with the normal protocols following unexplained deaths, the Cork County Coroner was immediately notified following the death of Marie Downey. The same procedure was followed regarding the notification of the death of Darragh Downey.”
Tragic Irish mum Marie Downey will be laid to rest with baby son Darragh in her arms
Health watchdog HIQA said it were monitoring the situation and would be in contact with hospital management.
A spokeswoman added: “HIQA is aware of the death of a woman and baby in Cork University Maternity Hospital and notes an investigation is currently underway.”
Meanwhile, Health Minister Simon Harris has announced there will be an official State inquiry into the deaths.
He extended his sympathies to the relatives of Marie and Darragh, saying : “This is an extraordinary tragedy. It is so upsetting and devastating to have a mother and her son pass away in one of our hospitals.”
