Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I am replying to this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney.

The allegation made by the person referred to by the Deputy, that laboratory services within Cork University Hospital are in a chaotic situation, is neither credible nor grounded in reality. The HSE has advised the Department of Health and Children that, to date, three laboratories at CUH have successfully achieved a high level of clinical pathology accreditation, CPA. These are the biochemistry, microbiology and blood transfusion laboratories. The histopathology laboratory, which includes cytopathology services, is awaiting assessment for the same accreditation. It is expected this will take place in mid-2008. This is a non-mandatory process which was undertaken by CUH with the full support of the executive management board.

The current position in relation to the review of pathology services in CUH is as follows. Since last September, hospital management at CUH has been carrying out a review of pathology services at the hospital as a result of concerns about the work of a single pathologist who worked there on a locum basis for a short period in recent months. Hospital management commissioned an accredited UK laboratory to undertake an independent review of the temporary pathologist's work. The Minister for Health and Children and her Department were informed of this review on 23 November last. The Minister understands that, in the course of this review so far, a small number of patients have been recalled for review and appropriate follow-up by their doctor. The HSE has informed the Department that it will conclude this review shortly.

The pathologist concerned resigned from his position at the request of hospital management at CUH, when information relating to his work became known. The HSE has informed the Department that this pathologist no longer works in any of its hospitals. Steps have been taken to ensure that the regulatory authorities in the jurisdiction where this person now resides have been informed so that they can take appropriate action.

The immediate priorities in any review of clinical services are to establish whether the care of any patient has been compromised and, if so, to inform those patients and ensure they receive, as a matter of priority, any necessary clinical assessment and other services and supports. The Department is working closely with the HSE to ensure that these protocols are applied in the case of the Cork review.

The events of recent weeks underscore the absolute need for the HSE national cancer control programme to be implemented as soon as possible. Professor Tom Keane took up his position as director of the cancer control programme last month. The HSE is putting arrangements in place to enable Professor Keane to take control of all new cancer developments from 1 January 2008 and progressively all existing cancer services and related funding and staffing. The delivery of cancer services on a programmatic basis will serve to ensure equity of access to services and equality of patient outcome irrespective of geography. The recent decisions of the HSE in relation to four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis. The designated centres for the HSE, southern region, are Cork University Hospital and Waterford Regional Hospital.

In conclusion, the Government is committed to continuing to make the full range of cancer services available and accessible to cancer patients throughout Ireland in accordance with best international standards, including in the southern region.

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