Enraged by the Public Prosecution Service's decision not to pursue any prosecutions in connection with the death of her daughter, Marie Ferguson told the 'Journal' she will continue to fight until those responsible for Raychel's death are "brought to book."

Yesterday would have marked the 16th birthday of Raychel Ferguson, and as Marie decorated her daughter's grave with balloons and a cake, she said she couldn't help thinking of the woman her daughter would have grown into.

Last night a group of supporters joined the Ferguson family for a candlelight procession outside Altnagelvin Hospital, where Raychel underwent a routine appendix operation in 2001.

The schoolgirl, known affectionately by her family as 'wee boots' because of her love of shoes, died as a result of the incorrect administration of fluids to counteract dehydration, cerebral oedema caused by hyponatraemia, which results from a shortage of sodium in the body.

A public inquiry into Raychel's death, and the deaths of two other children in Northern Ireland hospitals which was halted pending the PPS's decision is expected to resume shortly.

"In 2001 our little girl was robbed of her right to grow into a beautiful young woman," said Marie. "We were robbed of a daughter who was the world to us and our sons were robbed of the sister they adored.

"In 2008 we were robbed once more, robbed of justice in that no one will ever be made accountable or prosecuted over our Raychel's death."

The Derry woman says she will not allow Raychel's death to be in vain.

"We believe the time has now come that all those responsible for the care of our loved ones are brought to book for the actions they take and the fatal blunders they make," she added.

"We demand assurances from our MLAs and MPs that these deaths and injuries will be fully investigated by the PSNI and that those responsible for them will be prosecuted in a court of law.

"No one has never admitted they did anything wrong. Today I should be taking Raychel out to buy her something for her birthday, but instead I'm visiting her grave."

Marie said Raychel's death had left a void in her family's life that can never be filled.

'Never be the same'

"Our home and family will never be the same again," she said, "but tonight is not just about Raychel but for all the families who have lost loved ones due to the mistakes made by hospitals all over this country.

"To you families we say that we understand the despair and sorrow compounded by the total disregard shown to all of us by the health trusts of this province.

"However we in no way wish to detract from the sterling work carried out in sometimes very difficult situations in our hospitals, the majority of which carry out their duties with the utmost care and attention and whose dedication is second to none."

Mrs Ferguson called for the "veil of secrecy" to be lifted.
"I believe we can truly honour our loved ones' memories by making sure that no other family has to endure the pain that we carry each and every waking moment," she said.