HSE Issues Apology After Wrongful Diagnosis Leads to Termination

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued a formal apology to a couple who were misinformed about their unborn child’s health, leading to an unnecessary termination. Bernard Gloster, the chief executive of HSE, met with Rebecca Price and Pat Kiely to express his sorrow over the devastating impact of the wrongful diagnosis of their son, Christopher.

In 2019, while expecting their first child, the couple received alarming news from the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin. Initially, a routine ultrasound scan conducted in February indicated a healthy pregnancy. However, a subsequent non-invasive prenatal test, known as a Harmony test, returned a positive result for Trisomy 18, a chromosomal condition associated with severe developmental issues and high mortality rates.

As the couple navigated this distressing situation, they underwent a second ultrasound, which also appeared normal. Following medical advice, they proceeded with chorionic villus sampling, with samples sent to a laboratory in Glasgow for further testing. In March 2019, during a consultation, they were led to believe that their baby had a fatal foetal abnormality, resulting in the couple agreeing to terminate the pregnancy three days later.

In June 2021, Price and Kiely settled their case in the High Court after the hospital, Merrion Fetal Health Clinic, and the Glasgow laboratory admitted full liability for the misdiagnosis. The couple was informed later that a comprehensive test showed that their child did not have Trisomy 18, a revelation that intensified their grief.

In a statement, Gloster emphasized the need for transparency and accountability. He acknowledged that “nobody can undo the harm” experienced by the couple, but he expressed hope that an independent external review would help uncover the circumstances surrounding their case. He stated, “I recognise that no words or actions can undo the loss suffered by Rebecca and Pat, but I hope the establishment of an independent review will allow us to understand what went wrong in relation to their care and learn from it.”

Gloster’s apology came after he had the opportunity to meet with the couple, where he reiterated the HSE’s commitment to document their experience and support efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future. His remarks included an emphasis on the importance of acknowledging the couple’s pain.

Price and Kiely have openly shared their story in hopes of raising awareness. In previous interviews, they have expressed that they would have only considered a termination if there was no chance of survival for their child. Reflecting on their experience, Kiely stated that they had become “different people” due to the trauma they endured.

Price added that if Christopher’s legacy could lead to improved practices that protect future children, it would bring some measure of meaning to their loss. The couple’s experience highlights the critical nature of accurate prenatal diagnostics and the profound emotional impact of medical errors on families.