Brigid McCole

Brigid McCole
Born	1942 County Donegal, Ireland
Died	1996 County Donegal, Ireland
Known for	Hepatitis C infection case

Brigid McCole (1942 – 1996) was an Irish woman whose case became a landmark in the history of public health and medical ethics in Ireland. Her struggle for justice highlighted significant issues in the Irish healthcare system, particularly concerning the Hepatitis C infection scandal.

Early Life

Brigid McCole was born in 1942 in County Donegal, Ireland. She grew up in a rural community and lived a relatively quiet life until her health issues brought her into the national spotlight.

Hepatitis C Infection

In the 1970s, Brigid McCole received an Anti-D immunoglobulin injection after childbirth, a common practice at the time to prevent Rhesus disease. Unbeknownst to her and many others, the batch of Anti-D she received was contaminated with the Hepatitis C virus.

Discovery and Legal Battle

In the early 1990s, McCole began experiencing symptoms that were later diagnosed as Hepatitis C. Upon discovering the source of her infection, she became one of the many women affected by the contaminated Anti-D scandal. Her case was particularly significant because she chose to take legal action against the Irish state.

Brigid McCole's legal battle was fraught with challenges. The Irish government initially resisted her claims, and the legal process was lengthy and complex. Despite her deteriorating health, McCole persisted in her fight for justice, seeking accountability and compensation for the negligence that led to her infection.

Impact and Legacy

Brigid McCole passed away in 1996, before her case was resolved. However, her struggle brought significant attention to the issue, leading to public outcry and eventual government action. Her case was instrumental in the establishment of the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal in Ireland, which provided a mechanism for victims to receive compensation without the need for lengthy court battles.

Her story also prompted reforms in the Irish healthcare system, including improved screening and safety protocols for blood products. McCole's courage in the face of adversity has been remembered as a catalyst for change and a symbol of the fight for patients' rights.

Also see

• Hepatitis C in Ireland
• Blood contamination scandals
• Patient advocacy
• Medical ethics

References

• [1] "The Brigid McCole Case: A Turning Point in Irish Healthcare," Irish Medical Journal.
• [2] "Hepatitis C and the Anti-D scandal," Health Service Executive, Ireland.