Psychiatrist denies neglect of mother during pregnancy

PROF PATRICIA Casey and Dr Mary Holohan both deny the allegations against them in separate defences.

Prof Casey says she does not accept Lisa McGillin had accurately or fully set out her medical history and in particularly the ante-natal history of Rebecca.

Prof Casey denies Ms McGillin informed her in July 2000 she was pregnant or that she instructed Ms McGillin then to stop taking Lithium and to contine taking other medication, Prothiaden and Epilim.

Prof Casey also denies Rebecca suffered the alleged injuries and pleads, if the child did so, this was not due to any negligence on Prof Casey’s part but was caused solely or contributed to by the negligence of the child’s mother.

She alleges Ms McGillin failed to attend for appointments on October 16th, 2000, and November 22nd, 2000, and failed to have any regard for her own safety and that of her foetus.

Without prejudice, Prof Casey also says she did provide certain care, treatment and advice to Ms McGillin and did so at all times with due professional skill, care and diligence.

In her defence, Dr Holohan denies the claims against her, pleads she is a stranger to the alleged psychiatric symptoms and treatment of Ms McGillin and denies she advised Ms McGillin that taking folic acid would eliminate any risks attached to the use of Epilim during pregnancy.

Opening the case, Aongus O Brolchain SC, for the child, said both defendants should have communicated with one another when it was known that Lisa and Barry McGillin were trying for a baby.

It is claimed that Ms McGillin self-referred to Prof Casey in 1994 for treatment for panic attacks, insomnia, loss of confidence and depression and was diagnosed as having mild bi-polar disorder.

Her treatment allegedly included medication including Priadel, Prothiaden and Epilim.

It is claimed Ms McGillin attended Dr Holohan in 1998 and was treated for a cyst in her pelvis.

It is alleged that she discussed with Dr Holohan the risks of getting pregnant on her medication and was advised of certain risks and to take a high dose of folic acid so as to eliminate risks attached to the use of Epilim during pregnancy.

It is claimed, after further attendances on Dr Holohan and treatment with Clomiphene Citrate (which induces ovulation), Ms McGillin achieved pregnancy in July 2000. It is claimed Dr Holohan was aware Ms McGillin had an underlying depression and was being treated for that by Prof Casey.

The hearing continues today.