A hospital has issued a sincere apology for the lapses in care provided to a 25-year-old woman who suffered fatal injuries after a horse-related incident. The Midland Regional Hospital offered the apology as part of a settlement reached with Bryonny Sainsbury’s family, concluding five legal actions against the HSE. Bryonny, a hairdresser, sustained severe brain injuries on August 26, 2021, when her horse, startled by a vet’s treatment, pinned her against a wall.
The family’s legal representatives described the case as highly distressing, highlighting Bryonny’s catastrophic cerebral injuries from the incident. The focus of the case was on critical errors at Midland Regional Hospital, where Bryonny spent three days before being transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.
During her time at the hospital, Bryonny was in a delusional and distressed state, with her family pleading for assistance. Despite their pleas, she was not promptly moved to the specialized facility in Dublin. By the time of the transfer, it was too late, and Bryonny had to be put on life support at Beaumont Hospital, where she passed away on August 31, 2021.
The HSE acknowledged responsibility in the case, settling the legal actions brought by Bryonny’s parents and brothers for nervous shock and wrongful death. Allegations included inadequate care and delayed treatment leading to Bryonny’s death, as well as the failure to heed family concerns and requests for an emergency transfer.
A coroner’s inquest labeled Bryonny’s death as a medical misadventure. The hospital manager expressed a formal apology for the tragic loss, acknowledging the grief inflicted on the family. The hospital accepted the recommendations from the System Analysis Review and implemented a quality improvement initiative as a response.
The hospital extended heartfelt condolences to the family and emphasized their commitment to learning from the tragedy. The judiciary expressed sympathy for the family, while the Sainsbury family highlighted that their legal action was not about financial compensation but about accountability and acknowledgment of responsibility from the HSE.
The family expressed hope that the lessons learned would bring real change, ensuring that future patients receive compassionate and competent care. They stressed that Bryonny’s legacy should inspire action, not just words.