BBC NI health correspondent Marie-Louise Connolly reported on a tragic incident involving Martina and Ryan Tierney, whose daughter Molly passed away at 34 weeks in the womb. The couple accused the Southern Health Trust of a cover-up after discovering falsified medical notes. The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (Nipso) conducted an investigation into the events at Craigavon Area Hospital Maternity Unit in October 2021 and found that failings had catastrophic consequences for the patient and her daughter.
The trust issued an apology for the identified failings and expressed deep condolences to the grieving family. Martina Tierney, who was considered high risk due to previous complications, experienced severe abdominal pains at 34 weeks into her pregnancy. Despite expressing concerns and asking for help, midwives initially dismissed her, leading to a delay in confirming the absence of a foetal heartbeat.
The Ombudsman’s report highlighted fundamental failings in the care and treatment of Martina Tierney. It was revealed that if the patient had been escalated for senior review and an emergency Caesarean carried out, the outcome would likely have been different. The investigation noted various deficiencies, including inaccurate recording of pain scores, understaffing, and concerning entries made in the patient’s record.
The Tierneys expressed their gratitude for the time they spent with Molly and the support received during their difficult journey. They emphasized the emotional challenges they faced, from the heartbreaking loss of their daughter to the painful process of laying her to rest. The ombudsman’s referral of the report to the Nursing and Midwifery Council underscored the seriousness of the situation and the need for accountability in ensuring proper standards of care are maintained
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