Girl sent home from hospital after contracting meningitis has €12m settlement approved

The High Court has approved a €12 million settlement in a case concerning a child who developed bacterial meningitis after being sent home from Sligo General Hospital. The girl, who was ten months old when she presented at the A&E department on 1 February 2011, was initially discharged despite presenting with symptoms including high temperature, vomiting, and physical signs of serious illness. Her parents returned with her the following day, when she was admitted to intensive care and subsequently transferred to a specialist children's hospital in Belfast. She was diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis and survived but sustained severe brain injuries. The HSE admitted liability. Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved the settlement, noting that had the child been admitted and treated with antibiotics on her first presentation, she would likely not have suffered the catastrophic injuries sustained. The family's solicitor indicated the HSE had apologised but stated no information had been provided regarding preventative measures implemented.