Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

One cannot have the range of expertise in each of five hospitals in a region with such a small population base. The transformation plan in the north east is being overseen in the first instance by Professor Drumm, who is a clinician, and by many other clinicians, including Eilis McGovern, who is a well respected cardiac surgeon in Dublin and who has an international reputation. There is huge clinical involvement in the reform programme around the country, particularly in the north east. I am not saying for one moment, nor would I, that it has unanimity as far as the clinicians are concerned. Of course, it does not and I would not expect unanimity. However, I am satisfied that in respect of the engagement the HSE is undertaking with the College of Radiologists and other experts in the field, both here, Northern Ireland and elsewhere, we are acting appropriately as far as patients are concerned.

To return to the question of why this review is taking place, it is because errors were identified in respect of four cases and we believe the responsible thing to do is to look at all the work of that particular locum over the relevant period, which amounts to X-rays and CT scans on 4,590 patients. That is currently happening and will be completed as quickly as possible. It is being done simply for precautionary reasons. I hope it has the same positive outcome as the CT scan review in Portlaoise a few months ago when no new diagnosis was made, which was a very happy situation for all those patients.

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