Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I published two reports this morning on the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise. The Health Service Executive is publishing reports on the clinical reviews this afternoon.

The investigation by the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, into the care provided by the HSE for the named individual commenced in June 2007. I am advised that the draft report is going through the necessary legal verification process which includes consulting those referred to in the report. The pathology review in Cork University Hospital is completed and a report is being finalised by the HSE.

The investigation by HIQA into pathology services at University College Hospital, Galway, commenced in September 2007. While it is difficult to predict precisely when the work will be completed, it is hoped the investigation will be concluded in April and the report published as soon as possible thereafter.

In regard to the review of breast services in Barrington's Hospital and medical centre, the review team expects to finalise the draft report this month. Following the completion of the necessary legal requirements, the report will be submitted to me and the hospital management.

The incidents that gave rise to all these reviews highlight the need for swift implementation of the national quality assurance standards for symptomatic breast disease. Implementation of the standards will ensure every woman who develops breast cancer will have an equal opportunity to be managed in a centre capable of delivering the best possible results.

See this speech in context