Kieran Downey was speaking after a verdict of medical misadventure was returned in the case of his wife Marie who died on March 25th 2019 and his new born baby son Darragh who died the following day
A three day inquest at Cork Coroner's Court determined that Marie suffered an epileptic seizure in her private hospital room failing out of the bed and trapping her newborn son under her. The inquest heard that Darragh's life could possibly have been saved if a member of staff had found mother and baby within four minutes or so of the tragedy occurring.
A jury recorded a verdict of medical misadventure in the case.
Speaking to reporters after the verdict Kieran Downey says he has no faith in the system and very little confidence that seismic changes will occur to prevent other families from experiencing such traumatic loss:
"We have waited over two and a half years for this day to arrive. And while relieved this painful process is over our hearts remain broken. We are grateful to the jury for their verdicts and recommendations which will we hope spare this kind of profound shock and tragedy from touching the lives of any other family ever again. Marie and I sought what we thought was the best possible care for her and paid to go private. We were let down and we feel failed by the system. "
