‘She had so much living left to do’ – daughter
Verdict of 'death by medical misadventure' in case of Monaghan woman who died at Cavan hospital
“The findings delivered today, while not surprising, are still devastating for us as a family. Knowing our mother would still be with us if not for the mishandling of her care at Cavan General Hospital has left us heartbroken,” say the family of Jean (Mary Jane) Lamb (née Ryan), responding to the inquest verdict of medical misadventure in their mother’s death.
The outcome follows a critical review into the 80-year-old grandmother’s death, which mirrored testimony heard by County Coroner Dr Mary Flanagan last week at Cavan Courthouse.
At the hearing Ms Lamb was remembered by her daughter Lorraine as “a person filled with life”, who celebrated her birthday only weeks before her death by arriving to the festivities with her hair dyed pink. A mother of five and grandmother of fifteen, Ms Lamb was the centre of her family’s world, bringing humour, warmth, and wisdom. Since her passing in April 2023 however, her family say she has missed weddings, graduations, engagements, confirmations, long-planned trips away, as well as countless birthdays and Christmases.
“She had so much living left to do,” the family said in a statement to The Anglo-Celt.
Ms Lamb was admitted to Cavan General Hospital on April 18, 2023, days after suffering a fall that caused a minor brain bleed. Beaumont Hospital advised her anticoagulant medication should be stopped for at least a week. But by April 21, she was placed on a “different” drug, at a level contrary to clinical guidelines and also Beaumont’s documented instructions. The post-mortem pathologist stated that this acted as an “accelerant” on to the earlier brain bleed.
In the early hours of April 23, Ms Lamb collapsed on the ward, with a new CT scan showing she had suffered a “massive” brain haemorrhage. Despite efforts to stabilise her, she later died.
Dr Flanagan recorded a verdict of death by medical misadventure, noting the cause of death was a “progression of events that were not acted upon”.
For the Lamb family, the failures identified are reasons a loved mother and grandmother is no longer with them, emphasising that when someone goes to hospital, families expect “proper care”, not fatal oversights.
“Our health system requires a complete overhaul,” they said, warning that preventable deaths will continue unless “miscommunication and systemic failings” are urgently addressed.
They also highlighted the heavy “burden” placed on Cavan General, which serves patients across a wide catchment area. Ms Lamb's family argue that restoring services to Monaghan Hospital and improving staffing ratios would “greatly enhance” patient safety and outcomes.
All recommendations from a review carried out by the hospital into their mother's death must also now be implemented immediately and in full. The Lamb family want a formal review to be sanctioned by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, and are urging councillors, senators, TDs, and ministers in the constituency to ensure concrete action follows.
“These failures have had a devastating, irreversible consequence. It was a life she loved so much, a life she cherished, a life that we would give everything to have back,” they said. “It is vital we have a health system that is safe - a place we can turn to in our time of need.”
The Lamb family’s statement concludes: “Every child dreads the day they will lose their Mammy. But to lose your Mammy knowing her death was easily preventable is truly devastating. You are loved and missed every day, Mammy.”
The HSE confirmed that of the recommendations arising from a review carried out following Ms Lamb’s death, “three have been fully implemented, while the remaining two are partially implemented and progressing well, with closure anticipated in Q1 2026.”
Cavan and Monaghan Hospital extended their “heartfelt sympathies” and condolences to the family, adding: “The Hospital remains available to offer any support the family may require.”