31st of October 2018

Eibhlín's inquest was held on Halloween day, a significant day on this journey in Eibhlín's Legacy. The perfect day, to relive Eibhlín's stressful birth, short life & sudden death. 

We would like to thank all those who were with us in court that day, all those that held us in their thoughts and prayers. Thanks to Dermot Sherlock and Justin Morahan for their help in preparing for Eibhlín's Inquest, and for Pippa Woolnough for all her support over the last (almost) 3 years, but especially on the day itself.

A huge thanks to all the witnesses, Garda Hanley, Dr. Michael McDermott Paediatric Pathologist  from Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin, Dr. Cillian de Gascun DIrector of National Virology Lab in UCD & Prof. Mary Higgins Obstetrician in The National Maternity Hospital 

Finally thank you to Dr. Myra Cullinane, and the support staff in the Coroner's office, for reviewing Eibhlín's file and calling the inquest. In such tragic circumstances, we want to ensure Eibhlín's little life and legacy will live on and prevent further heartache - illness and possible death to vulnerable neonates. So for the inquest to be called, as its a matter of public interest, for Dr. Cullinane to support our aims has been such great relief and joy in Eibhlín's name as we approach her anniversaries.

The final verdict was Eibhlín's death was due to (Herpes Simplex Virus) a Healthcare Acquired Infection. 

The Coroner's Office two recommendations are (our main aims) to make Neonatal Herpes notifiable -  which hopefully will be signed off by year end by Minister Harris. To recommend all maternity units learn a lesson from Eibhlín's death and to follow the amendments the NMH implemented after her death, we are working with the National Women and Infants Health Programme in the HSE