Letterkenny University Hospital has apologised for the failings that caused injuries to a baby who was brain damaged at birth.
The apology was read out in the High Court as Jack McGahern Donaghey, now aged four years and who has cerebral palsy, settled his legal action with an interim settlement of €2.5million.
In the apology the hospital general manager, Sean Murphy said he wished to express sincere apologies for the failings that caused the injuries to Jack and the “consequential trauma suffered by him and you, his parents and his family.”
It added: “The hospital understands that neither this apology nor the financial compensation granted by the court can negate the continuing heartache that the McGahern Donaghey family must feel every day and appreciate that this continues to be a very difficult time for you.”
Jack’s parents Denise and Seamus were in court as the apology was read out and the interim settlement reached after mediation was approved.
Outside court, Jack’s mother Denise McGahern said they were so relieved this day had arrived.
“With this interim settlement Jack will get the best support and care and help that he needs.
“This has been a very stressful time for our family,” she said.
Ms McGahern added: “Although the interim settlement had been achieved today, it has been a very tough battle over the last three years between us and the HSE, causing us anxiety and worry.
“Whilst the apology from the HSE is welcome, we are saddened and weary of the legal process and struggle to understand why it took this legal road to bring about an explanation and produce an apology.”
She said they would like lessons to be learned from what happened to Jack and they never wanted “this tragedy to be visited on any other family”.