Dr. Peadar Gilligan:

Generally, what happens in that context at a local hospital level is that most hospitals will have morbidity and mortality meetings, as well as meetings to address where there has been an adverse, or perceived adverse, incident. Nearly all hospitals will have a patient representative office. If there are incidents, or perceived incidents, they will be brought to the attention of the clinical team, oftentimes through that office. An internal report will be developed and, if necessary, the patient and-or family will be met with to discuss the issues arising.

There is much of that work ongoing within the hospital system. I agree with Professor Tom Keane that there are cases coming before the Medical Council which should not be and could be better dealt with locally, both from patients' perspective and the health care side.