The Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise has apologised to the parents of an eight-year-old boy who died 18 hours after he was discharged from its emergency department.

The child had been suffering from chicken pox and developed a secondary infection. The child attended the hospital's emergency department where he was prescribed antibiotics and discharged. He subsequently died from a streptococcal infection and toxic shock.

The High Court was told that the child should had been admitted and treated with intravenous antibiotics. The family of the deceased boy took a personal injury* claim against the HSE for wrongful death and nervous shock.

The Judge of the High Court approved a settlement of €160,000 in compensation* which included the sum of €25,400 for wrongful death. The Judge commented that this sum for wrongful death was "very small" but she said that was the amount set by the Government for a loss of life.

*In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.