Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for giving me the opportunity to address the issue. This is an important forum in which to raise such issues where the Deputy has a chance to represent the views of the people he has the honour to represent to bring their fears and concerns to the fore and receive answers. On the other side, it provides an opportunity for the HSE, not to defend but to explain some of the background and put it in context.

Concerns raised by the HSE assistant clinical lead for audiology services in Mayo-Roscommon arising from a routine review of services in 2015 led to a look-back of paediatric services provided between 2011 and 2015. The HSE finalised the report on the look-back and shared it with the 49 families concerned on 7 June 2018. The report represents a thorough analysis of the quality of service delivery in the area against standards for such services that were set out in the national audiology review group's report. Since 2011, the recommendations made in the report, including on clinical governance and quality assurance processes, have been the benchmark for the quality of service delivery throughout the country.

The report and accompanying communication from the HSE include a clear apology for the failures identified and the anxiety caused for families and those who might have been harmed. The HSE has invited the parents of the children to meet a senior manager and a senior audiologist to discuss the findings made in the report and be updated on their child's care. Some have taken up this offer. The HSE has stated all of the families affected were informed that the audit was taking place and verbally advised of the reasons. All 49 children who needed a follow-up as a result of the look-back process are either receiving or have already received the appropriate care they need.

To respond to the Deputy's question about the audiologist's previous working arrangements, the HSE is reviewing the employment history of the individual clinician who provided the service. The review is being expedited. It is appropriate that the health service strive continually to improve the quality of the services it provides and promote a culture of learning in which shortcomings are identified.

The priority of the Minister for Health in regard to the families and children on whom the findings of this look-back have had an impact is that the HSE takes swift action, including the provision of appropriate care, and the Minister is satisfied this has been done in this case. In addition, the HSE now has clinical governance and a quality assurance process in place for its audiology services, including any contracted services. This is in line with the national audiology review group report published in 2011.

The recommendations made in the look-back report on policies, procedures, team-based approach, audits as part of clinical governance, care pathways, recording of client information and service level agreements for external providers have been addressed and completed at both regional and national level. Outstanding recommendations, including the roll-out of an audiology patient management system, are being progressed.

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