The family of a West Clare woman who died of breast cancer has settled its High Court action against the HSE.
Mother of two Edel Kelly was 26 when she died in June 2008, with her family later suing over her care when she first presented at hospital in 2006 with a lump in her breast.
The court heard that Ms Kelly’s family claimed there was a 13 month delay in diagnosing her breast cancer and a subsequent delay in treating her.
She was referred by her GP in July 2006 to a breast clinic at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Ennis.
She had an ultrasound, and irregular soft tissue was identified in her left breast, and she was later informed this was benign.
A year later, she attended the breast clinic in the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick when a lump was found, and a biopsy showed the presence of cancer, which had spread.
She died in June 2008.
The HSE admitted breach of duty in the case, but did not admit that this had caused Ms Kelly’s death.
Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved the settlement today and sympathised with her partner and parents.
