A Swords woman - who had a swab the size of a mini football left inside her by medical staff - has been awarded almost €140,000 in damages.
Claire Lalor suffered extreme trauma after the vaginal swab went undetected for almost three weeks - despite two visits to the National Maternity Hospital.
On both occasions, she wasn't examined internally and was given antibiotics to treat the pain and a smell that she had reported coming from her lower body.
The hospital admitted liability - and failure to find the swab on two occasions - which left Claire with an infection, chills, fever and diarrhoea.
The High Court found Ms Lalor was "clearly entitled to be compensated for the very significant physical injuries she suffered" as a result of the negligence of the National Maternity Hospital.
Claire was awarded €140,000 in damages, which the Judge said he believes is "fair and reasonable".
