Woman who suffered sustained bleeding after giving birth fails in High Court action
Virginia Gimenez Perez gave birth to her second child at the Coombe Hospital in Dublin in October 2019 and subsequently suffered sustained post-partum bleeding caused by retained products of conception. She collapsed at home in November 2019 and was taken by ambulance to Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, where surgery to stop the bleeding was carried out on 4 December 2019. She brought a High Court personal injury claim against the Coombe Hospital and the HSE, alleging failures in diagnosis and treatment at both hospitals. Ms Justice Emily Egan dismissed the claim, finding that staff at both hospitals acted in ways ordinary competent professionals might have acted. The judge noted that Ms Perez is now doing well and feels very happy.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court14 Jul
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Virginia Gimenez Perez suffered post-partum haemorrhage caused by incomplete delivery of the placenta (retained products of conception) after giving birth to her second child in October 2019.
- Consultant obstetrician Dr Robin Ashe said the Portlaoise hospital should have performed surgery on 4 November 2019, but the material had moved from the uterus to the cervix with the aid of prescribed medicines.
- Ms Perez said she was weak, fatigued and introverted for some time after surgery and did not return to normal for nearly two years.
- The judge found that the staff involved in the care of Ms Perez in both hospitals acted in ways ordinary competent professionals might have acted.
- Where
- She was born at the Coombe Hospital, Dublin, and was brought by ambulance to Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, in November 2019 after collapsing at home.
- When
- Surgery to stop the bleeding was carried out on 4 December 2019.
- In court
- Ms Justice Emily Egan dismissed the High Court personal injury claim, finding in favour of the HSE and the hospital.
- Other details
- The judge noted that Ms Perez is now doing well and feels very happy.
10 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe woman suffered post-partum haemorrhage caused by incomplete delivery of the placenta (retained products of conception). (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe judge found the staff acted in ways ordinary competent professionals might have acted. (irishtimes.com)
- whatConsultant obstetrician Dr Robin Ashe said the Portlaoise hospital should have performed surgery on 4 November 2019. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe material removed had moved from the uterus to the cervix with the aid of prescribed medicines. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMs Perez said she was weak, fatigued and introverted for some time after surgery and did not return to normal for nearly two years. (irishtimes.com)
- whereShe was brought by ambulance to Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, in November 2019 after collapsing at home. (irishtimes.com)
- whenShe gave birth to her second child in October 2019. (irishtimes.com)
- whenSurgery to stop the bleeding was carried out on 4 December 2019. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMs Justice Emily Egan found in favour of the HSE and the hospital. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe judge noted Ms Perez is now doing well and feels very happy. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 14 Jul2025Woman who suffered sustained bleeding after giving birth fails in High Court action
High Court dismissed the claim, finding staff at both the Coombe and Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise acted reasonably; the judge noted Ms Perez is now doing well.
victim, Virginia Gimenez Perez, female, non-irish (judged from name)Virginia Gimenez Perez