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A MOTHER-OF-four who received a State apology earlier this month over her missed cervical cancer diagnosis has died.
Patricia Carrick had gone for a smear test in 2016 but was told there were no abnormalities found. She was later diagnosed with cervical cancer, and was informed her diagnosis was terminal just a few months ago.
She received a settlement of €2.75 million in damages in October, and received an apology from the HSE and a testing laboratory for a smear test which they acknowledged was read in a manner that was negligent.
Her husband Damien confirmed this morning that she passed away peacefully overnight.
He said: “She was comfortable throughout and is now at peace. Thank you for all of your support. Damien, Ciarán, Ríoghna, Sorcha and Eoin.”
Good morning. Trish passed away very peacefully overnight. She was comfortable throughout and is now at peace. Thank you for all of your support. Damien, Ciarán, Ríoghna, Sorcha and Eoin. pic.twitter.com/m5aFc5o9d1
— Damien Carrick (@damiencarrick) November 25, 2020
Among those paying tribute today was President Michael D Higgins.
He said in a statement: “As President of Ireland, mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, may I express the sorrow of the people of Ireland and our sympathies with her family and friends.
“I spoke to her husband Damien and family on 1 November and to her father Pat O’Sullivan, a long-time friend, at the beginning of November. Patricia’s and Damien’s families were well-known to me for years.
I know that Patricia’s courage, which I know she held to the very end, and her grace as a campaigner, provide some solace to her loved ones at this difficult time.
It is also appropriate at this time to think of all those who were failed by a system in which they had trusted, and their loved ones.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin began Leader’s Questions in the Dáil today paying tribute to Patricia.
In issuing an apology earlier this month, Martin said he had spoken to Damien Carrick to talk about the “terrible experience” of the Carrick family.
Martin said they were a happy family looking forward to life but on 29 July Patricia got a call telling her it was likely she had cancer. In September of this year, Patricia was told the cancer was terminal.
“It didn’t have to be this way. In May 2016, Trish went for her scheduled smear test, a health procedure that she always took very seriously, and never missed,” he said.
“If there had been an accurate reading of this sample, Trisha’s cancer would have been identified in good time, the appropriate treatment would have been given, and chances are she and Damien would have been reflecting together on a worrying time in their lives with the illness well behind them. But there wasn’t an accurate reading.
The cancer was missed, the cancer spread, and the cancer is now terminal. Last Friday, I spoke to Damien and apologised. On that call, he said he, Trish and the family would appreciate it if I would apologise in public. I have absolutely no hesitation in doing so.
Trish was badly let down and your family is going to the very worst of times because of the mistakes of others.
Speaking in the Dáil following this apology, independent TD Thomas Pringle added: “The real thing we can do is to make sure an apology never has to be given in this House again.”
With reporting from Adam Daly
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Can’t believe they’re still dragon out this story.
@Jimmy Wallace: @BL Mus
I think you’ve got to the root of it all right.
@Tommy Haze: Those trees will be recycled,and put to another use. They will all be burnt to an Ash
@Larry Betts:
Not one of your best there Larry.
@Tommy Haze: What are you going to do,bring out the birch? I thought it was oaky doaky. I’m sorry if you don’t like the old chestnuts,I thought you were elder,fir fex sake. Do you want me to pine or are you rowan your own boat on this? I could post something extra,but at this stage you’re probably sycamore.
@Jimmy Wallace: are you the sap in your family tree
Someone could make a fortune selling pieces of sculpted wood from these to gullible , I mean enthusiastic fans
@BL Music: I dunno, even hard core fans despise that ending so probably wouldn’t bother, they made a balls of it in fairness.
@BL Music: Dragons would sell. Great Idea.
@BL Music: Could be a nice earner for the land owner!
Paddy says to Mick “isn’t a pity Seamus is not with us?” “Why’s that?” says Mick. “cos there’s a sign there that says ‘Tree Fellers needed urgently’ “
@Larry Betts: Don’t even look for your coat!
@Jimmy Wallace: LOVE IT!
Could be a bit of community service for the Sycamore Gap young fella here.
@Joe Country: i think he has enough damage done in that field.
Pity.
“the reality is if they are 300 years of age”. Who are they going to call in to determine the age of these famed “Game of Thrones” trees? Will it be The Lord of the Rings?
I’d be reluctant to get involved. I’d say there’s a curse on them!
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