The Minister for Health has issued a formal public apology to the Sainsbury family following the death of their daughter, Bryonny, acknowledging that failures within the health system contributed to the tragedy.
During a recent meeting with the Sainsbury family, the Minister and the HSE CEO heard first-hand accounts of the profound trauma endured by the family.
Bryonny Sainsbury passed away in August 2021, days after she was injured by her horse.
She was originally taken to Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar before being transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin days later.
Significant failures were identified in her treatment at Mullingar Hospital, with an inquest finding her death a result of medical misadventure.
In a joint statement released today, both the Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and the HSE recognised “without reservation” that Bryonny and her family were failed by the care and support they received.
They expressed what they described as their “deepest and unqualified apology” for the distress experienced by the family during Bryonny’s treatment, as well as throughout the subsequent review and legal processes.
Statement in full:
Today, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Bernard Gloster, CEO of the Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued a formal public apology to the Sainsbury
family for the devastating loss of their beloved daughter, Bryonny and acknowledged, without reservation, that the health system failed both Bryonny and her family, and for this the Minister and the HSE have expressed our deepest and unqualified apology.
In meeting with the Sainsbury family, the Minister and the HSE CEO heard directly about the profound distress they experienced—not only during Bryonny’s time in our care, but also throughout the lengthy review and legal processes that followed.
It is clear that the communication, support, and respect they needed and deserved were not provided.
This was unacceptable.
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill commenting said, “In my time as Minister for Health, I have met many families who have experienced the devastating loss of a loved one, and I am always humbled by their generosity and willingness to help improve the health service and protect others.
The Sainsbury family may never know how many lives will be saved or improved through their advocacy and sharing their most painful of experiences.
This is the poignant but enduring legacy of their beloved Bryonny.
I want to reassure them of our collective commitment to improve the culture in our health services so that everyone experiences the support they deserve at their times of greatest trauma and distress.
There is no space in our health services for not listening to families, for not treating patients and families with respect and compassion, for not communicating openly and honestly.”
Bernard Gloster, CEO of the HSE said, “The family’s courage and generosity in participating in the review process has directly contributed to the development of the National Patient Safety Alert for Clinical Governance of Traumatic Brain Injury, an important national safeguard designed to strengthen patient safety and ensure that the voices of patients and families are heard.
Their tireless advocacy to bring about these necessary changes to the healthcare system is recognised, and these reforms will serve as your daughter Bryonny’s enduring legacy.
We are fully committed to driving the cultural and systemwide changes required to ensure that no other family endures what the Sainsbury family has been through. We reaffirm our commitment to the core values of listening, compassion, respect, and open communication—values that must guide every interaction within our health system.
We hope that today’s apology, together with the publication of the review, offers some measure of acknowledgement and support as the Sainsbury family continue to live with
the loss of Bryonny.
We again extend our heartfelt condolences.”
May Bryonny rest in peace.
