Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for the frank manner in which she has dealt with this matter which is a serious issue both for the two families concerned and all those who are worried at this time. I also welcome the review she announced, which will help to restore confidence in Ennis General Hospital and assist patients who have an ongoing relationship with the hospital. Having met both the families in question, I am hopeful the review will go a long way in addressing their individual concerns. As the Minister noted, however, it may not fully address the concerns of one of the families, although I hope the involvement of HIQA will help to do so.

When does the Minister expect the specialised referral service to be up and running? This service will be critical to restoring confidence among patients of the hospital, particularly those who had dealings with its breast-related cancer services before they were transferred to the centre in Limerick.

I compliment the Minister on the manner in which she has dealt with the families in question. I am aware she has met the family of one patient and intends to meet others. Her approach shows that she cares and helps to build confidence in the health service and political system.

On the terms of reference of the review, will it be possible to examine the culture of dealing with mistakes, specifically the possibility of introducing a process or protocol for communicating with patients or, in the case of patients who are deceased, with their families when mistakes are identified? I am aware there is always a difficulty in the context of accepting liability and responsibility but such an acceptance is important to families and those affected by matters of this nature. Will the Minister indicate whether it might be possible to put in place a process of arbitration or mediation which would allow those who are seriously ill or their families to avoid the necessity of seeking redress through the courts? Anything that would prevent people from being obliged to take the legal route would be of assistance. Perhaps the review might extend to providing some guidance in respect of future cases of this nature.

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