Cavan General Hospital has apologised to the parents of a 12-month-old child for the "shortcomings in the care" that their son received at the hospital over two years ago.
The apology was read out at the inquest into the death of Luke Kelly, which is continuing before Coroner for Co Cavan, Dr Mary Flanagan.
His parents, Barry Kelly and Helena Lyons, from Shantemon in Co Cavan, gave evidence.
They described their son as a "courageous little hero" who was the most "beautiful, smiley, placid child that any parent could ask for".
The inquest heard that Luke had Shone's syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect, and he underwent major surgery at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) in Crumlin on two occasions.
Luke had his second operation at Crumlin in April 2023 and the following month, he was discharged and allowed to go home.
The inquest was told that, at this stage, the medical staff at Crumlin were happy with his prognosis and recovery, and he would not have to be seen again for another six months.
The family said they were told to go to their local hospital should any further problems arise.
In the months that followed, Luke picked up several respiratory viruses, and he was brought to the Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU) at Cavan General Hospital on a number of occasions.
The inquest into his death is centred around establishing the circumstances that led to his condition deteriorating at Cavan General Hospital over a five-day period beginning on 1 July 2023.
Luke was pronounced dead at the hospital on 5 July 2023, less than two weeks short of his first birthday.
Parents left 'heartbroken'
Mr Kelly and Ms Lyons told the inquest that they had been left "heartbroken" following their son’s death.
They said there are questions to be answered about why Luke was not transferred to specialist care at CHI at Crumlin when his condition began to deteriorate.
Roger Murray SC, solicitor for the family, told the inquest that there are also questions surrounding whether or not all hospital staff were fully aware of what he described as Luke’s "extremely rare cardiac condition" and "narrow airway".
At the inquest, Senior Counsel Conor Halpin, representing the hospital, read out an apology on behalf of Acting General Manager for Cavan and Monaghan Hospital, Laura Waters.
"On behalf of the management and staff of Cavan General Hospital I wish to offer my deepest condolences to you both and to your extended family following the death of your dear son Luke," the apology read.
"I would like to extend my sincere apologies for the shortcomings in the care that your son received in Cavan General Hospital. We acknowledge that the experience was devastating for you and understand that this apology cannot negate the deep effect the loss of your son has had on your lives or in any way make up for this tragic loss.
"I wish to reassure you and your family that the hospital strives at all times to optimise patient care and that we will continue to ensure that best practice is at the forefront of our clinical service to all patients."
The inquest is also hearing evidence from a number of medical staff who were working at the hospital at the time of Luke’s death.
The inquest at Cavan Courthouse will enter a second day tomorrow, with Dr Flanagan expected to return a verdict tomorrow afternoon.
Over 15 witnesses will be called to give evidence over the two days.
