Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

I welcome the Hayes report into the management of radiology and GP referral letters at Tallaght hospital, which was published on 4 November. The report is thorough and clear in its conclusions.

The Tallaght hospital review identified serious concerns about the robustness of the governance structures at board and management level within the hospital. The particular problems with the board and management structure, culture and style must be addressed urgently. The report also points to the inadequacy of reporting systems; the lack of clear lines of responsibility; inadequate risk management; lack of written protocols and procedures; communications within the hospital and with the main stakeholders; and poorly developed relationships with GPs in the area. All of these problems are clearly inconsistent with a patient-centred approach. The report makes detailed constructive recommendations about the operation of specific services in the hospital and all of these will be implemented.

Tallaght hospital has 600 beds and employs nearly 3,000 staff. It operates on a budget of €245 million, of which €189 million is provided by the State. Within this resource allocation, the hospital should be able to provide patients with a safe and comprehensive service.

I met Dr. Hayes on 8 November to discuss the implications of his report and I met the chair of Tallaght hospital on 9 November. I have also had discussions with the CEO of the HSE about the report. The main focus will be on the initiatives that are needed in the hospital and in the wider health system to provide sustained improvements in services for patients. The HSE and Tallaght Hospital have accepted all the recommendations in the report and are committed to implementing them as quickly as possible. A number of key recommendations regarding the management of X-rays and GP referral letters have already been implemented. I understand changes have also been made by Tallaght Hospital to the operation of its board, which I mentioned earlier.

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