A hospital has offered a sincere apology for the shortcomings in care provided to a 25-year-old woman who tragically passed away five days after being injured by a horse. The apology was made by Midland Regional Hospital as the family of Bryonny Sainsbury reached a settlement in five legal actions against the HSE. Bryonny, a hairdresser, suffered a severe brain injury in an accident at a stable on August 26, 2021, where her horse, spooked by a vet’s treatment, crushed her against a wall.
During the High Court proceedings, the family’s legal representatives described the case as extremely distressing. They highlighted that Bryonny sustained catastrophic brain injuries while at Midland Regional Hospital due to what they termed as a series of serious mistakes. Despite her deteriorating condition and pleas for help, Bryonny remained at the hospital for three days before being transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, where she was placed on life support too late.
Tragically, Bryonny succumbed to her injuries on August 31, 2021, at Beaumont Hospital, leaving her family shattered. The hospital acknowledged its failings in a written apology presented in court, expressing deep regret for the inadequate care provided to Bryonny. The HSE accepted liability for the case, resolving the legal actions brought by Bryonny’s family for nervous shock and wrongful death.
The family alleged that Bryonny did not receive proper care promptly, leading to her death, and criticized the hospital staff for ignoring their concerns and delaying her transfer to a specialist facility. The coroner’s inquest deemed her death as a medical misadventure. The hospital’s manager conveyed a formal apology, recognizing the devastating loss suffered by Bryonny’s family.
The hospital affirmed its acceptance of the findings and recommendations from the System Analysis Review, highlighting the implementation of improvements based on those recommendations. Expressing heartfelt condolences, the hospital reiterated its commitment to learning from the tragedy to enhance future care provision.
The family emphasized that their legal action aimed at seeking acknowledgment, accountability, and a genuine apology, rather than financial compensation. They hoped that the lessons learned from Bryonny’s case would lead to tangible improvements in hospital care, ensuring that no other family experiences a similar tragedy. The family’s statement concluded by emphasizing Bryonny’s enduring love and calling for concrete actions to honor her legacy.