Our Scarlett O’Sullivan represented the Donovan family during an Inquest into the recent passing of their beloved mother Eileen Donovan. Eileen Donovan was admitted to UHL as a precautionary measure on the 22nd December 2021 following a simple fall at home. She was 67 years of age and an active member of her family and community. She subsequently tragically died in hospital on the 4th January 2022 as a result of a retroperitoneal bleed which went unmonitored, undetected and undiagnosed by those treating her.
Whilst Retroperitoneal bleeds as a contra-indication to the administration of anticoagulants is uncommon, the incident rate can be as high as 0.6%-6% in patients. As the administration of anticoagulants becomes more frequent, the Donovan family feel it is imperative that medical attendants and hospitals include the risk of retroperitoneal bleed in a differential diagnosis when treating patients on anticoagulants with signs of abdominal and leg pain. There should be a high index of suspicion on the part of hospitals, and they would welcome a protocol be implemented and followed in hospitals following their mother’s untimely and avoidable death.
The Donovan family would hope that lessons can be learned from their mother Eileen’s tragic death. She was the heart and soul of their family and will be forever missed.
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