Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The Department of Health and Children acted on my behalf in this matter and I am totally satisfied in every respect that the Department acted in a thorough, timely and appropriate manner on foot of the information received. It is entirely without foundation for the Deputy to claim the letter "lay languishing" in the Department.

The facts are as follows. On 5 July 2005, a consultant at the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise wrote to me outlining his concerns relating to the breast services at the hospital. In accordance with normal practice, the letter was passed to relevant officials in the cancer policy unit for examination. They rightly formed the view that the letter required to be brought to the attention of the HSE and management at the hospital. It was duly referred to the HSE national hospitals office for urgent examination and appropriate attention. The Department subsequently wrote to the consultant concerned advising him of this and also brought the letter to the attention of the regional director of cancer services in the midland region. I understand he then had discussions on the issue with hospital management and with the consultant concerned.

There are robust policies and procedures in place in the Department, including in the Minister's office, for dealing with letters, e-mails and telephone calls relating to matters of patient safety and quality of care. If a senior clinician raises an immediate risk to patient safety with me in any respect, I treat that matter very seriously.

In handling communications, administrative and professional staff, the office of the Chief Medical Officer in particular works with executive agencies such as the HSE and the Health Information and Quality Authority, regulatory agencies such as the Irish Medicines Board and professional regulatory bodies, where appropriate, to identify, describe and ameliorate any potential risks to patients or the general public in areas such as systems of care, professional practice or difficulties with medical devices or therapeutic agents. Theses procedures are subject to constant review and refinement in the light of circumstances and evolving best practice.

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