An inquest yesterday (Monday) into the death of a 48-year-old woman, who died at Mayo University Hospital, heard concerns about the treatment provided to her, after she presented with severe back pain.

The proceedings relate to the death of Anne Marie O'Brien from Castlebar, who died on 2 October 2016.

Anne Marie O’Brien  attended Mayo University Hospital on two separate occasions in the week before she died, complaining of severe back pain. She was not admitted on either occasion and was sent home with painkillers.

Ms O'Brien, who had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, took ill at home on 2 October and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

She had suffered a cardiac arrest and efforts to revive her were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead shortly after 10pm that night.

Evidence relating to the care provided to her on both visits will be heard when the inquest resumes later this year.

The Mayo Coroner Pat O’Connor agreed to hear witness statements from medical personnel who were on duty on these dates, after Mr Tansey submitted that this evidence was central to the inquiry into her death.

Proceedings have been adjourned to next November to gather these statements and to obtain medical records from the hospital about the treatment provided to Ms O'Brien.