HSE apologises and a family’s call for change after Kate Colum’s death
The HSE has formally apologised to the family of five-year-old Kate Colum, who died after a severe Strep A infection at Sligo University Hospital (SUH). The inquest, which concluded with a unanimous verdict of medical misadventure, highlighted serious concerns about the management of Kate’s illness in the hospital’s final days. While the family acknowledged the apology, they also spoke of the lasting weight of Kate’s loss and their resolve to convert tragedy into lasting improvements in pediatric care.
The inquest findings and what they revealed
The jury concluded that Kate’s death resulted from medical misadventure linked to discharge from the hospital when she should not have been sent home. Kate, a bright five-year-old from Strokestown, Co Roscommon, presented with a high fever, vomiting and other symptoms associated with a severe infection. The inquest heard that Kate’s condition deteriorated after discharge, and she was readmitted only hours later, ultimately passing away in the early hours of Friday morning, after emergency care was sought.
Family statements at the inquest painted a picture of Kate’s vibrant life—a girl who loved farming with her father, coloring, Peppa Pig, and adventures that defined her short but joyful years. The Colums described Kate as “a great little girl” who lived with Down syndrome and other needs, emphasizing that her health was not the barrier to a full life, but rather the healthcare system’s response during her final days.
Account from the Colums and the coroner’s reflections
Kate’s mother, Claire Colum, recounted Kate becoming unwell the Monday before admission, with a temperature peaking at 40.1°C. She recalled discussions with hospital staff about the necessity of tests and the decision to discharge, despite concerns from the family. Her account underscored the frustration and sense of being let down by the care Kate received. Kate’s father, Matthew Colum, echoed these sentiments, stating that his daughter “should never have been let home that first night.”
Coroner Fergal Kelly highlighted that Kate’s name would live on in future medical education through the KATE mnemonic, designed to improve recognition and response to serious pediatric illness and neurodivergent needs. The coroner noted that three words stood out in depositions—love, family and remembrance—and affirmed the family’s request that their daughter’s memory drive positive change in clinical practice.
The KATE acronym: a lasting learning tool for doctors
The Colums have agreed, in principle with the HSE, to embed a new training framework for clinicians who treat children with Down syndrome and other additional needs. The KATE acronym stands for:
– K: Kind – acknowledging the daily pressures on families and the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care.
– A: Alert – recognizing that children with additional health challenges can appear well while suffering serious conditions.
– T: Time – taking the necessary time to assess and monitor for rapid deterioration.
– E: Experts – valuing input from parents and guardians who are intimately familiar with their child’s baseline and needs.
A commitment to safer pediatric care
Senior Counsel Luan Ó Braonáin, speaking on behalf of the HSE, expressed sincere apologies for the shortcomings in Kate’s care and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to ongoing training to prevent similar incidents. The HSE’s aim is to ensure that medical professionals integrate the Kate mnemonic into routine practice when caring for children with Down syndrome and other complex needs, ensuring timely investigations and inclusive decision-making with families.
What comes next for the Colum family and the healthcare system
The Colum family described their decision to champion education and training as a tribute to Kate and a way to prevent other families from experiencing what they endured. They stated that Kate’s life was a blessing and that her memory would be a treasure, guiding education initiatives that may save lives in the future. As the KATE framework is adopted, medical teams will be encouraged to reflect on kindness, vigilance, time, and family expertise in every pediatric encounter.
Closing reflections
While the inquest cannot bring Kate back, the verdict marks a turning point for patient safety in Irish hospitals. The HSE’s apology and the introduction of the KATE mnemonic represent a deliberate shift toward more compassionate and thorough care for vulnerable children. The Colum family’s message remains clear: remembrance should translate into real-world changes that safeguard other children and provide families with greater confidence in the health system.
