The second inquest into the death of a nine-year-old girl following an operation at Cavan General Hospital is continuing this evening.
Frances Sheridan died as a result of post operative complications being diagnosed as a stomach bug.
The Attorney General ordered a second inquest after the first returned a verdict of death by natural causes.
Frances, from Cootehill, died 36 hours after having her appendix removed.
She seemed to be recovering well from the operation but developed stomach pains. She returned to the hospital but was told it was probably a tummy bug and was sent home.
She died in her mother’s arms.
Her bowel had become trapped by internal scar tissue following the operation.
After a garda investigation, the DPP ruled that no prosecutions should be taken.
The first inquest returned a verdict of death by natural causes which deeply upset the Sheridan family.
They appealed to the Attorney General for a second inquest, and in a very rare move, he granted this.
Last month the Heath Service Executive and State Claims Agency threatened to seek a High Court order preventing the Coroner, Dr Mary Flanagan, from hearing that inquest but later backed down.
This morning in Cavan, she will hear the second inquest and, since the law has changed, will be able to call more expert witnesses.
