The relatives of a 19-year-old student who passed away due to a cerebral haemorrhage three days post being taken swiftly to the hospital, are aiming to initiate a High Court dispute in regards to a grievance they filed with the Medical Council. Lisa Niland’s life ended at the Sligo University Hospital in January 2017, three days subsequent to her emergency arrival there after suddenly fainting in a fast-food outlet experiencing severe cranial discomfort and vertigo symptoms.
A distinct High Court claim against the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the hospital by Lisa’s family was amicably resolved approximately four years ago, inclusive of a formal apology from the hospital. The specifics of the settlements were kept private.
On a recent Monday, Lisa’s father, Gerard, mother Angela, and sister Amy Niland, hailing from Drimbane, Curry, Co Sligo, made an application to Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty asking for authorisation to start judicial review proceedings against the Medical Council and its Preliminary Proceedings Committee (PPC).
The family is seeking directives vacating a resolution pertaining to their complaint to the PPC that had been relayed to them on the 10th of May. Additionally, they want an order against the Medical Council to annul its decision sanctioning the PPC outcome. Moreover, they want another directive to return the subject to a reorganised PPC for re-examination.
Ms Justice Gearty decided to postpone the application to ensure all parties could attend the hearing that would seek permission to initiate the challenge. Having reviewed the documents, she acknowledged the case as profoundly tragic. By examining somewhat comparable case precedents she noted it appeared issues before the PPC typically don’t need the thorough rigour needed elsewhere. The leave application hearing will proceed on notice to the respondents, and she remains receptive to any party suggesting it be handled on a specific basis.