Kerry hospital apologises to family of Tatenda Mukwata, who died after giving birth there
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The HSE has issued an apology to the family of a 35-year-old woman who died after giving birth at University Hospital Kerry.
The apology was issued at the opening of the resumed inquest into the death of Zimbabwe-born Tatenda Mukwata, by counsel John Lucey.
The mother of three lived in a direct provision centre in Kenmare.
She died in April last year six hours after giving birth to her fourth daughter Eva, who was delivered by Caesarean section.
A pathologist told the opening day of the inquest in August that Ms Mukwata had died of haemorrhage and shock.
At the resumed inquest, John Lucey SC on behalf of the HSE read an apology signed by general manager Mary Fitzgerald, on behalf of UHK “for the failings of care afforded to Tatenda at this hospital on 20th and 21st April, 2022”.
“We fully accept that these failings should not have happened, and that earlier intervention would probably have prevented Tatenda’s death. An external review of the matter is nearing completion and as a hospital we will endeavour to ensure lessons are learned.
"We are deeply sorry that you have suffered the tragic loss of Tatenda. We wish to apologise to you unreservedly and offer our heartfelt condolences.
"We acknowledge the grief, stress, trauma, and suffering that you and your family continue to endure as a result of Tatenda’s death, for which we are truly sorry.”
In response, Dr John O’Mahony, SC on behalf of the Mukwata family, said the apology was acknowledged as appropriate.
The apology issued to the family on September 22 came 17 months after Ms Mukwata's death.
“It is our belief that matters were entirely clear from the time of the post-mortem that she had bled to death in Kerry University Hospital,” Mr O’Mahony said.
“This was a death that ought never have happened,” he said.
The inquest in Tralee, under Coroner Helen Lucey, continues on Monday before a jury of eight.