AN IRISH couple have received an apology from Sheffield Children's Hospital after being wrongly accused of threatening staff with the IRA during a row over their daughter's care.
The allegation was made in a letter to Philip Morrison and Sonia Crossan, of Raisen Hall Road, Southey Green, claiming they had abused staff.
The couple, originally from Donegal and whose daughter Sarah needs specialist care for brittle bone disease, were served an 'acknowledgement of behaviour agreement' by Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust.
Philip, aged 32, gave his signature to ensure his two-and-a-half year-old daughter's care could continue but Sonia, 35, who was accused of making the threats, refused.
Her alleged remarks included "my grandfather's in the IRA" and "if you were in Ireland, you would be lynched, you would not be able to get away", during a meeting with hospital staff.
But the couple's solicitor was taking notes and supported their claim Sonia never made the threats.
Now Philip and Sonia have received a letter from Angela Wendzicha, the hospital trust's solicitor and head of risk management, who wrote: "It was not said during the particular meeting and I apologise. It appears there was a misunderstanding."
Philip said: "It's disgraceful. How can a member of staff lie like that - why are they still in their job?"
Sarah Morrison has such brittle bones that she suffered 30 rib fractures even before she was born in September 2006. She was initially given two days to live and her parents were not allowed even to give her a cuddle.
But she defied predictions and her family hope to celebrate her third birthday this year.
The dispute over her care arose last Autumn when Philip and Sonia said they were given protective equipment, but claimed it was unsuitable and were reluctant to use it.
Ms Wendzicha, of Sheffield Children's NHS Trust, said the youngster had received the best possible care but said her family had "acted in an aggressive manner" towards staff and the trust requested the couple enter into an acknowledgement of behaviour agreement.
She added: "At Sarah's most recent case review, it was understood threatening IRA references were made by Sonia. However, this was later confirmed as a misunderstanding.
"Philip has signed the behaviour agreement; Sonia is yet to sign, although their solicitor has confirmed both will abide by the conditions."
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