Midland Regional Hospital has issued a sincere apology for the lapses in care provided to a 25-year-old woman who tragically passed away five days after a horse-related incident.
The hospital’s apology was delivered in the High Court as Bryonny Sainsbury’s family reached a settlement in five legal actions against the HSE. Bryonny, a hairdresser, sustained severe brain injuries in an accident at a stable on August 26, 2021, where her horse, startled during treatment by a vet, pinned her against a wall.
During the court proceedings, the family’s legal representatives described the situation as highly distressing. Bryonny suffered catastrophic cerebral injuries while trapped against the stable wall by the frightened horse. The focus of the case was on multiple errors at Midland Regional Hospital, where Bryonny spent three days before being transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.
According to the family’s counsel, Bryonny was in a delusional and distressed state, vomiting, while her desperate parents sought help, yet she was not promptly transferred to the specialized Dublin facility. The delay in her transfer proved fatal, leading to her placement on life support at Beaumont Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries on August 31, 2021.
The HSE accepted responsibility for the case, resolving the five legal actions brought by Bryonny’s parents and brothers for nervous shock and wrongful death. Allegations included inadequate care and delayed treatment contributing to Bryonny’s passing, with concerns raised by family members being disregarded.
A coroner’s inquest classified her death as a medical misadventure. The hospital manager’s apology expressed deep remorse for Bryonny’s tragic loss, acknowledging the family’s grief and pain. The hospital affirmed acceptance of recommendations for improvement and completed the necessary actions.
Moreover, the hospital extended heartfelt condolences to the family, emphasizing a commitment to incorporating lessons learned from the tragedy into enhanced care practices. Mr. Justice Coffey conveyed sympathy to Bryonny’s relatives for their loss, characterizing the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy.
The family clarified that their legal action was not motivated by financial compensation but aimed at seeking acknowledgment, accountability, and a genuine apology from the HSE. They stressed the importance of real change and ensuring that every patient at Midland Regional Hospital receives safe and compassionate care.
In conclusion, the family highlighted Bryonny’s enduring love and urged for meaningful actions to honor her legacy, emphasizing the need for tangible improvements to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
