'Inadequate' HSE response to family's request for information about woman who died at CUMH
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The HSE’s handling of a request for hospital records by the family of a woman who died after giving birth in Cork in June has been described as “inadequate and inappropriate” by the family’s solicitor.
Stephy Scaria of Abbeyfeale in Limerick died on June 21, after giving birth to her son via Caesarean section at Cork University Maternity Hospital.
On July 16, solicitor Conor Murphy, acting on behalf of her grieving husband Baiju, sought all records and notes relating to Stephy from CUMH through the Freedom of Information Act.
He received a response from the hospital on July 19, acknowledging receipt of the request and advising that a decision was due on the request on August 16. The reply outlined that as standard for requests under the FOI Act that “in certain circumstances, a final decision may take longer than 4 weeks”.
The reply added: “If this occurs in relation to your request, we will promptly advise you in writing.”
However, Mr Murphy said that decision was received by August 16, and he was not informed formally of a need to extend the deadline. He received a response to an email he sent on August 23, asking why the information had not been provided.
A response on August 26, seen by the , stated: “Apologies for the delay. Unfortunately Freedom of Information office has received high volumes of request and It has a large backlog. We will send your records as soon as possible. Thanks for your Patience.”
No date was given for when a decision is expected.
Mr Murphy said the delay is adding to the distress of her husband and family.
He said: “I appreciate that there may be a backlog, and I’m not asking for special treatment or that they drop everything else to prioritise our request. Everyone’s request for information is very important to them.
"But I would have thought that the profoundly tragic circumstances of this case would see the file produced by now, or at the very least a more comprehensive answer be provided than some generic ‘apologies... large backlog... thank you for your patience’.
"A wife and mother has died, the content and tone of their responses are inadequate and inappropriate.”
In response, a spokesman for the South/South West Hospital Group said the CUMH cannot comment on individual cases.
But he said: “CUMH can confirm that there is currently a backlog relating to queries at FOI Department.
"Staff are making every effort to clear the backlog while at the same time continue to manage incoming FOI requests.
"There are 2.5 whole time equivalents (WTE) staff working at FOI department, which is the full complement of allocated staff.”