Hospital Apologizes After Horse Accident Death

The Midland Regional Hospital has formally apologized for significant failings in the care provided to Bryonny Sainsbury, a 25-year-old woman who died five days after a horse-related accident. The apology was presented to the High Court as her family settled five legal actions against the HSE.

Bryonny suffered a catastrophic brain injury on August 26, 2021, when a startled horse pinned her against a wall. Her family described the case as distressing, highlighting alleged "egregious errors" at the hospital where she remained for three days.

During this time, Bryonny was reportedly "delusional, distressed and vomiting," yet the family's pleas for an emergency transfer to Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, were not immediately heeded. She was eventually moved, but it was too late, and she was placed on life support.

Bryonny succumbed to her injuries on August 31, 2021. The HSE accepted liability, and the legal actions concerning wrongful death and nervous shock were resolved. A coroner's inquest ruled her death as medical misadventure.

Hospital manager Margaret Kelleher expressed deep regret for Bryonny's loss and the impact on her family, stating the hospital fully accepted the findings of a System Analysis Review. The family emphasized their pursuit of acknowledgement and accountability, hoping this tragedy leads to improved care for future patients.