Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

A number of questions were asked about Portlaoise. The Minister learned on Wednesday of last week about the existence of a separate review of ultrasounds that was under way in Portlaoise, in addition to what had been previously announced, namely, a review into radiology services in the hospital being undertaken by Dr. Ann O'Doherty at St. Vincent's Hospital. That review is being undertaken by a team led by Peter Naughton, a consultant surgeon in Portlaoise. Deputy Gilmore is aware of the circumstances of how that came to light last week.

I previously stated in the House that Dr. Ann O'Doherty is examining the earlier cases, and that is the position. That report is not completed but is in draft form. I cannot give Deputy Gilmore information on who Ann O'Doherty spoke to. I will inform him when we see the completed report. I understand the report will be published but, obviously, as with all medical reports, it will have to be examined for the purpose of legality and redacting of issues. That will not happen until the final report is available.

The Health Service Executive has appointed an advanced nursing practitioner who will co-ordinate the initial nine cases. Dr. Ann O'Doherty's job was to go through the 3,707 mammograms. As Professor Arnie Hill said yesterday, extraordinary work was done by Dr. Ann O'Doherty. It would be considered a very good work rate for a top class professional to do that many in a year but she did that in a short period of time. I do not think Deputy Gilmore meant it, but I do not wish it to be implied in any way that there was a delay of three months. Dr. Ann O'Doherty did the work of any other top class professional in a very short time and I praise her for that. She went through 3,707 mammograms and nine cases require to be followed up. An advanced nurse practitioner has been appointed to co-ordinate further treatment for these initial nine cases as a result of the review of the mammograms in the hospital.

As I said on Friday, I thank Professor Arnie Hill and his team for working all day on Saturday. They saw more than 80 patients in that time. Those whom they thought would require further clinical treatment were sent to Beaumont Hospital where a breast clinic was set up on Sunday morning. Staff were also on stand-by in St. Vincent's Hospital. The other people whom they were not able to contact were seen yesterday. A final special clinic will be provided by surgeons this evening for the remaining people who have been contacted and are available. A small number of people still require surgical review and this will be provided on a priority basis.

Given that this is something which came to light on Wednesday night or Thursday, it is an indication of the extraordinary dedication by the team involved to have contacted, seen and undertaken a review of the clinical records and diagnostic assessments of these people, with the remaining few being seen tonight. I thank the team involved. I thank also the person who brought all this to light in the first place. Otherwise, we would have known nothing about it in late August.

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