Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 19 September 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health

Clinical Guidelines for the Introduction of Abortion Services: Discussion

9:00 am

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A lot of the issues I wanted to raise have already been raised so I will be very brief. I thank the witnesses for their presentations and for the work they have done and are doing in this area. I know there is a deadline of sorts in terms of 1 January and that they are making every effort to meet it and have everything in place.

Dr. Boylan said one MRI scanner is sufficient. Has there been any engagement with Cork University Hospital, CUH? It does not have an MRI scanner in the maternity services but it has MRI facilities available in the hospital. Is it envisaged that we would go into one of the existing hospitals where MRI scanners are available within the hospital structure as regards providing that service there? Is that being considered?

The second issue relates to the various units around the country. One of the issues that will arise is that it is not only a case of there being conscientious objection by doctors but also conscientious objections by nursing staff. Has there been any discussion individually with maternity units around the country to make sure the services can be provided in each of the units where medical and hospital support is required?

The third issue is backup for general practitioners, in terms of whether there is going to be co-ordination of supports for GPs so that if they have an issue on which they need to get advice from a gynaecologist or obstetrician that a structure is in place for that. Has the issue been considered in terms of making sure the maximum level of support is available for people who will be dealing with patients on the front line?

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