An investigation has been launched into the death of a pregnant young woman at the National Maternity Hospital.
Malak Kuzbary Thawley (34) was undergoing surgery for an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy in which the fetus develops outside the womb, typically in a fallopian tube) at Holles Street when she died on May 8, 2016.
RTÉ News reported that Mrs Thawley, who was seven weeks pregnant, had attended a private clinic for a scan earlier that day. When the ectopic pregnancy was discovered, she was admitted to Holles Street, where she rushed with her husband.
During the emergency surgery the teacher, from Syria, had a ‘vascular injury’. According to medical records, she died at 7.57pm.
Mrs Thawley and her husband Alan, who is from the United States, had been living in Ireland for three years. Solicitor for the couple Caoimhe Haughey told RTÉ News that Mr and Mrs Thawley asked doctors about using Methotrexate, a drug used to speed up the miscarriage process.
Ms Haughey says the couple were advised that Mrs Thawley would need to be operated on immediately.
Master of Holles Street Dr Rhona Mahony has commissioned an internal investigation, however the Thawley’s legal team have objected to the panel, six out of seven members of which work at Holles Street.
Ms Haughey said the tragedy had been “devastatingly sad” for Mr Thawley, who is currently staying with family in the United States. The pair had been together for a decade and had built a life together in Ireland.
“He wants to know what happened and why, and so it is important the hospital is upfront and respects the duty of candour in respect of patients.” she said.
A spokesperson for the hospital said: “Every maternal death is a deeply tragic event and as always our thoughts are with the loved ones of the deceased. As with all maternal deaths this case is subject to the Coronial process and the hospital is unable to make any comment.”
A full report is expected to be completed within 45 days.
Main Image: Malak Kuzbary Thawley with her husband Alan. Photograph: Facebook
