Mother claims in court that late intervention by hospital left son brain damaged
The High Court has heard that a boy suffered severe brain damage due to the lack of an appropriate intervention at Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
Benjamin Gillick, who will be six later this month, now has cerebral palsy and cannot talk or look after himself.
His mother Miriam is suing the hospital on his behalf.
Benjamin and his twin brother were born four months premature in April 2010.
A few months later, he underwent surgery at Temple Street Children’s hospital to remove fluid from his brain – a condition arising from his early and unexpected arrival.
He became extremely ill and a shunt, which was inserted as part of the procedure, was removed three days after he was readmitted.
The lack of an earlier intervention left him with severe brain damage. He is now confined to a wheelchair and is fully dependent on others.
The hospital has admitted liability and agreed to pay €1.2m for future loss of earnings as well as over €600k in other costs.
The High Court has been left to assess other damages.
The family has moved from Chapelizod in Dublin to London where they live in a three-bedroom apartment. The court heard a suitable house could cost up to €6.5m.
The hearing continues tomorrow.
