Court approves €1m for girl operated on with uncertified springs

An 11-year-old girl, Nellie Lannen, has been awarded a settlement of nearly €1 million by the High Court following spinal surgery performed with uncertified springs at Temple Street Hospital. The settlement acknowledges breaches of duty by Children's Health Ireland (CHI) in Nellie's care.

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Entirely unreasonable

Nellie, who has spinal muscular atrophy type one, underwent an "experimental surgery" in October 2020 to correct kyphosis, a condition causing the spine to curve. The procedure involved a non-certified spring system attached to her pelvis. Shortly after the initial operation, the rod and spring system shattered her pelvis, causing excruciating pain and leading to 14 subsequent procedures. Her family reported repeated infections and instances of metal protruding from her body.

An expert report commissioned by the family deemed the surgery using the uncertified system "entirely unreasonable." The report also noted that the method used to fix her pelvis was "unconventional." The court heard that Nellie should have undergone fusion surgery, but her health had deteriorated to a point where the risks of that alternative procedure were too high. The original condition, kyphosis, remains uncorrected.

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unconventional

The settlement includes €350,000 for general damages, €260,000 for retrospective care, and €340,000 allocated for Nellie's future care, including necessary aids, appliances, and physiotherapy. This interim settlement requires the family to return to court in two years to seek further financial provisions. Mr. Justice Paul Coffey approved the settlement and extended his best wishes to Nellie and her family.

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the metal structure in her back was as if a coat hanger had been inserted into her and she was "on that coat hanger", with multiple rods protruding through her skin.