Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to clinician Y, as far back as February 2015, the clinician agreed to stand down from all colonoscopy work and voluntarily undertook not to perform colonoscopies outside Wexford General Hospital. He has remained on leave during the investigation process and has undergone retraining in colonoscopy. The Medical Council was advised of the incidents in April 2015.

I agree with Deputy James Browne that, given that this bowel cancer is the second most common cancer and that 517 cases of bowel cancer have been detected since the initiation of the national bowel screening programme, BowelScreen, in 2012, it is important that people have trust both in the service and Wexford General Hospital. Since the incidents, BowelScreen has reviewed its quality assurance indicators to ensure all units and individuals delivering colonoscopy services on its behalf are doing so at the highest possible standard.

To respond to Deputy Mick Wallace, the Health Service Executive is in the process of commissioning a national review of gastroenterology and endoscopy services, which will assess the current operation and quality and safety of the services. I will provide further information on this matter if the Deputy wishes.

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