Our Roger Murray S.C represents the family of the late Jemma Gardiner at inquest on 2nd April 2026 where a verdict of medical misadventure has been recorded at the inquest into her death. Jemma suffered fatal brain injuries after surgery to relieve a build-up of fluid on her brain during a time when a pressure monitor provided “falsely reassuring” readings.
Jemma Gardiner, from Ratheskin, Kincon, Ballina, Co Mayo, died at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin on 18 February 2019.
A sitting of Dublin District Coroner’s Court has heard her condition deteriorated acutely in the early hours of 12 February 2019 after she had undergone surgery for an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) – a procedure to create a natural drain to relieve pressure on the brain.
Jemma’s mother, Gillian Gardiner, said: “I was in such disbelief and all I could do was cry as I knew deep down that if Jemma pulled through, she would not be the same girl we all knew.”
The inquest heard that Jemma was non-verbal and used a wheelchair. Ms Gardiner told the hearing that her daughter, although born with congenital hydrocephalus (an abnormal build-up of fluid on the brain), had enjoyed good health for most of her life until December 2018.
Ms Gardiner said Jemma “grew her angel wings” when she passed away at 3.20pm on 18 February. She described Jemma as a very special child who “loved fashion and having her nails painted”.
“Her passing has left a huge void in our home and we miss her terribly,” said Ms Gardiner, who was accompanied by her husband, Anthony and two of their daughters, Clara and Chloe. Jemma’s sister Clara, who represented Mayo in last year’s Rose of Tralee festival, spoke during the contest to presenter Dáithi Ó Sé about the death of her sister.
Returning a verdict of medical misadventure, Dr Keane said the early failure of the ETV, despite the procedure being “technically successful,” was compounded by the pressure monitor becoming displaced.
The coroner acknowledged that medical staff had reacted promptly once the deterioration in Jemma’s vital signs had been noticed.
Dr Keane said she endorsed the change that had already been made at Beaumont Hospital where pressure monitors used in wards now provide a “waveform” reading, rather than just a numeric one, which facilitated easier assessment of a patient’s condition.
She also offered her condolences to Jemma’s family on their “heartbreaking loss.”
Following the inquest, Ms Gardiner said they were very happy with the verdict and information they had found out from the evidence. She also called for better communications between medical staff and families, particularly in relation to vulnerable patients.
Her daughter Chloe said: “Jemma wasn’t going anywhere without a fight. She fought so hard and we’re just happy we got some answers for her and ourselves.”
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