Couple settles High Court action against HSE over newborn's death in Cork
Baby George Duggan, a newborn from Rathpeacon, Co Cork, died on 21 December 2022, two days after being delivered by emergency caesarean section at Cork University Maternity Hospital at 29 weeks and three days. His parents Áine and John Duggan brought a High Court clinical negligence action against the HSE, alleging that a failure to review and assess the mother during an 11-day window from 8 December to 19 December meant a caesarean section should have been performed earlier. The HSE admitted it breached its duty of care in not performing more frequent foetal monitoring after the 8 December review but denied it caused George's death. The case was settled at the Four Courts before Mr Justice Paul Coffey in October 2026, with a statutory €35,000 mental distress payment divided between the parties.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court20 Oct
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Baby George Duggan died on 21 December 2022, two days after being delivered by emergency caesarean section at Cork University Maternity Hospital at 29 weeks and three days.
- George suffered bruising and a subgaleal haemorrhage.
- The core of the case was the failure to review and assess the mother during an 11-day window from 8 December to 19 December 2022.
- Where
- George Duggan was from Sweeney's Hill, Rathpeacon, Co Cork.
- When
- George died on 21 December 2022 and his funeral was held on Christmas Eve.
- Charges
- The HSE admitted it breached its duty of care in not performing more frequent foetal monitoring following the 8 December review.
- The HSE denied it caused the death of George.
- In court
- The case was settled at the Four Courts in the High Court before Mr Justice Paul Coffey.
- Sentence
- A statutory €35,000 mental distress payment was divided between the parties.
- Other details
- Dr Mairead O'Riordan is the clinical director of CUMH Ireland South Women & Infants Directorate.
14 statements extracted from the articles
- whatBaby George Duggan died two days after being born at Cork University Maternity Hospital. (rte.ie)
- whatThe core of the case was the failure to review and assess the mother during an 11-day window. (rte.ie)
- whatGeorge was delivered by emergency caesarean section on 19 December at 29 weeks and three days. (rte.ie)
- whatThe baby suffered bruising and a subgaleal haemorrhage. (rte.ie)
- whatThe HSE admitted it breached its duty of care in not performing more frequent foetal monitoring following the 8 December review. (rte.ie)
- whatThe HSE denied it caused the death of George. (rte.ie)
- whereGeorge Duggan was from Sweeney's Hill, Rathpeacon, Co Cork. (rte.ie)
- whenGeorge died on 21 December 2022. (rte.ie)
- whenA review of the mother was conducted on 8 December. (rte.ie)
- courtThe case was settled at the Four Courts in the High Court. (rte.ie)
- courtMr Justice Paul Coffey presided over the settlement ruling. (rte.ie)
- otherGeorge's funeral was held on Christmas Eve. (rte.ie)
- otherA statutory €35,000 mental distress payment was divided between the parties. (rte.ie)
- otherDr Mairead O'Riordan is the clinical director of CUMH Ireland South Women & Infants Directorate. (rte.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 20 Oct2026Couple settles action against HSE over death of newborn
Reports the settlement of the Duggans' civil action at the Four Courts, with the HSE admitting a breach of duty of care regarding foetal monitoring and a statutory €35,000 mental distress payment being divided.
victim, George Duggan, male, irish (judged from name)George Dugganvictim, Áine Duggan, female, irish (judged from name)Áine Dugganvictim, John Duggan, male, irish (judged from name)John Duggan