University Hospital Galway Apologizes for Misdiagnosis of Child's Appendicitis

University Hospital Galway (UHG) has issued an official apology following a misdiagnosis of appendicitis in a seven-year-old patient, Ariana Mocanu, which resulted in urgent surgery after her condition deteriorated. This apology was presented in a High Court hearing, where Ariana's family settled a lawsuit against the Health Service Executive (HSE) for €64,000. The incident, which occurred in July 2022, highlights critical issues regarding diagnostic accuracy and patient safety within emergency medicine.

On July 23, 2022, Ariana was brought to UHG experiencing severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Despite her alarming symptoms, she was misdiagnosed with a urinary tract infection and discharged with antibiotics. Nine hours later, her condition worsened, and she returned to the hospital, where doctors discovered that her appendicitis had progressed to a perforated appendix and peritonitis, necessitating immediate surgery.

Mr. Jeremy Maher SC, representing Ariana, stated in court that her father had raised concerns about appendicitis multiple times, only to be reassured that it was a urinary tract infection. In a letter of apology from Chris Kane, the hospital manager, UHG acknowledged the diagnostic error, stating, "On this occasion, the diagnosis turned out to be incorrect. The hospital apologises for this initial misdiagnosis." The letter expressed regret for the distress caused to Ariana and her family.

Legal representatives argued that the hospital failed to provide appropriate care and questioned the rationale behind the decision to discharge a patient with such severe symptoms. Mr. Maher emphasized that medical experts supporting the case would assert that there was never a justification for sending Ariana home. Conversely, the HSE contended that surgical intervention would not have been feasible until morning, a claim criticized by the plaintiff's counsel as "bizarre."

Mr. Justice Paul Coffey, who presided over the case, expressed satisfaction with the settlement, deeming it fair and reasonable. The Mocanu family, represented by solicitor Piarais Neary, expressed their intention to raise awareness about appendicitis symptoms and the importance of seeking urgent medical care. They welcomed the hospital's apology after a prolonged three-year legal battle.

The incident raises broader concerns about diagnostic protocols in emergency departments, particularly concerning pediatric patients. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist at Harvard University, "Misdiagnosis in emergency settings can have dire consequences, especially in children whose symptoms may not align with adult presentations of illness." This incident underscores the necessity for continuous training and systemic evaluations within emergency medical practices to prevent similar occurrences.

In light of this case, experts advocate for improved communication strategies between parents and medical staff, particularly regarding symptom recognition in children. The Health Service Executive has indicated that it will review its protocols to enhance patient safety and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnoses in the future.

As healthcare systems globally continue to grapple with similar challenges, this case serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of accuracy in medical diagnosis and the potential ramifications of oversight in patient care. The Mocanu family's journey reflects not only their personal ordeal but also highlights systemic issues that require immediate attention to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly children.