An inquiry has been launched to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and to evaluate the care provided to the girl during her time at the hospital.
An investigation has been opened into the sudden death of a 16-year-old girl at the Accident and Emergency department of University Hospital Limerick (UHL).
The tragic event occurred on the January 29 and follows the highly publicised case of Aoife Johnston, also 16, who lost her life after visiting UHL in December 2022.
The recent victim, described by a source close to the family as a “beautiful, kind, and loving child”, passed away at the hospital shortly after being rushed there due to breathing difficulties. Her death unfolded in front of her mother, under what sources describe as “deeply traumatic circumstances.”
It is understood by that the girl was initially admitted to the resuscitation area but was later moved to a trolley in the corridor after being deemed stable.
However, her condition deteriorated and following urgent pleas from her mother she was returned to the resuscitation area. Tragically, prolonged efforts by medical staff to revive the girl failed.
An inquiry has been launched to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and to evaluate the care provided to the girl during her time at the hospital.
The girl was admitted with a severe chest infection in early January. She was treated for over two weeks and was discharged home, the Irish Independent reported.
Within days, the girl’s condition deteriorated, and she was rushed back to hospital.
Figures released by the Irish Nursing and Midwifery Organisation showed 113 patients were waiting for beds at UHL on the day of her death.
In a statement provided to Limerick Voice by the HSE, UHL Hospital Group offered its “sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the patient concerned on their devastating loss.
“We can confirm that a preliminary assessment has been carried out in line with the HSE Incident Management Framework. This is our normal practice where a sudden death occurs in our care. The findings from this assessment will be shared with the family pending the results of a post-mortem examination.”