The family of a 26-year-old woman, who died of breast cancer, has settled its High Court action against the Health Service Executive.
Edel Kelly had two sons, aged six and three, when she died in June 2008.
Her family sued over her care when she first presented at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Ennis, in Co Clare in August 2006 with a lump in her breast.
The court was told Ms Kelly's family claimed there was a 13 month delay in diagnosing her breast cancer and a subsequent delay in treating her.
The action was taken by her long term partner, Noel McGreene from Kilkee in Co Clare.
Ms Kelly had a lump in her breast and was referred by her GP in July 2006 to a breast clinic at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Ennis. She had an ultrasound, and irregular soft tissue about 2cm wide was identified in her left breast. She had a biopsy in October but was informed that the tissue was benign.
A year later, she attended the breast clinic in the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick. A 6cm lump was found and a biopsy showed the presence of cancer, which had spread. In November 2007 she was given ten to 12 months to live.
The HSE admitted breach of duty in the case, but did not admit that this had caused Ms Kelly's death.
Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved the settlement and sympathised with Mr McGreene and Ms Kelly's parents, John and Una, who were also in court.
The family's solicitor, Patrick Moylan, said that they were thankful the legal process had ended. He said it did nothing to relieve the loss of Edel but they could now remember her for who she was rather than in the context of legal proceedings.
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