Relatives want to be informed of progress of inquest recommendations
Regional Childbirth At In Rowlette, Who Sally Of From Husband 2013 Rowlette Hospital Dromore Sean Sligo, Co Died In West, Sligo
A father whose wife died a day after giving birth to their fourth child has said inquest recommendations should be put on a statutory footing after coronial reform.
Sean Rowlette’s 36-year-old wife Sally died at Sligo General Hospital on February 4, 2013.
A verdict of medical misadventure was subsequently returned at her inquest. The jurors did not apportion blame.
Sally died from an infraction of the brain caused by HELLP syndrome and pre-eclampsia, a high-blood pressure pregnancy disorder.
In returning its verdict in the 2014 inquest, the jury made three recommendations: that counselling be available in the post-natal care system, that a senior consultant be contacted immediately in the event of a similar emergency, and that there be an in-depth review of such incidents involving all personnel involved.
Mr Rowlette recently made a submission to the Department of Justice’s public consultation on coronial reform. At present, recommendations made at inquests are not statutory.
Mr Rowlette said relatives such as himself should be updated following inquests on the progress of implementing recommendations made by either the jury or the coroner.
He continued: “If you asked me right now how many recommendations were put in place, I don’t know. There is no follow-up.”
He welcomed the introduction of mandatory inquests for maternal deaths under the 2019 Coroners Amendment Act.
Mr Rowlette said he believes that there should be a central location where all recommendations made at inquests are held and collated, to ensure they are followed up.
His youngest daughter Sally turned 11 on Saturday – a day before the 11th anniversary of her mother.
Recalling his wife’s case, Mr Rowlette said concerns by families about their loved ones should be considered by hospital staff.
Department of Justice staff are now considering dozens of submissions that have been received as part of the consultation process.
It follows a report published by the Oireachtas Committee on Justice late last year which recommended a raft of changes to the coronial system, including the appointment of a Chief Coroner and Deputy Chief Coroner.