Mother and newborn baby found dead in hospital

Nurses previously complained about lack of staff, reports say

The 36-year-old was found dead at Cork University Maternity Hospital (Google)

A woman and her newborn baby have both died after the mother suffered what is believed to be an epileptic fit and fell on top of her son.

Marie Downey was found dead on the floor of her room at Cork University Maternity Hospital in southwest Ireland on Monday.

Her son, Daragh, was discovered beneath her, critically injured and died the following day.

A hospital investigation has been opened into the death of the 36-year-old and her baby, according to The Irish Times.

Only three nurses, who had to care for 31 new mothers, were on duty when Ms Downey was found.

Nurses at the hospital had reportedly complained about being understaffed for several years before the patient’s death.

Simon Harris, Ireland’s Health Minister, has announced an independent review into the tragedy.

“It is so upsetting and devastating to have a mother and her son pass away in one of our hospitals,” he said, according to The Irish Mirror.

Ms Downey lived in Kildorrery with her husband and two other children.

She was buried with Daragh in a funeral held on Saturday.