Men must be more supportive of pregnant women, says widower Kivlehan
Widower Michael Kivlehan hasurged the partners of pregnant women to be more supportive when the woman expresses concerns.
"There's a lot more we need to do in respect to our pregnant ladies, and I'd say personally to all those men out there - be a little bit more supportive to the women," he told Shannonside News in Carrick on Shannon last night.
If there ever comes a time when they're beside a lady's bed in the hospital, and they have any insecurities, don't be afraid to address them to the doctors."
The 35-year-old from Dromahair was speaking last night after a jury delivered a verdict of medical misadventure in the inquest into the death of his wife Dhara who died of multiple organ failure days after an emergency c-section.
The HSE has reiterated an unreserved apology to the Kivlehan family, for the shortcomings in the management and care of Mrs Kivlehan at Sligo General Hospital shortly before she died at the age of 29 in September 2010.
The jury of five men and two women deliberated for less than an hour before returning with the verdict of medical misadventure and four recommendations.
Those recommendations include the implementation of a flagging system for the follow up of urgent blood test results and a live information database on the availability of ICU beds across the country.
They have also called for mandatory levels of six staff to six beds in ICUs and that all consultants involved in surgical procedures record their presence on theatre charts.
These issues were all specific issues referred to throughout the course of the last six days of evidence heard before Sligo Leitrim Coroner Eamon MacGowan.
Mr Kivlehan said the verdict brings them some closure, but there is more to do.
He said it has been an emotional time for his family.
"I have a very bright young child," he said. "He's got to the stage in his life where he can see Mammy and Daddy on the TV, and he now realises that Daddy is going to work every day.
"I spoke to him earlier on and … he said: 'Good job, Daddy'.
"Dhara was a very professional lady, she was very dignified, and hopefully she's looking down proud."
