Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle. The Deputy has a lot of questions there.

First, I wish to express my heartfelt sympathies to the patients and families involved in the recent case and the report that was published this week. I acknowledge that this was a time of real uncertainty for many patients and their families. I appeal for confidentiality to be respected for the families concerned.

It is important to note that the aim of this look-back review has always been to ensure patient safety, to identify whether any clinically significant radiological findings had been missed and to ensure that those identified were managed correctly in the interests of patients, with patients being communicated with appropriately and at the right time. Throughout the review process the HSE has had a comprehensive communications process, including provision for open disclosure and dedicated clinical co-ordinators to liaise with patients and GPs. This included a freephone helpline and a dedicated website. I have been advised that all patients have now received follow-up and care, as needed, and have been provided with support from the South/Southwest Hospital Group. The report of this process provides assurances that the issues have been examined appropriately from a clinical perspective. In its report the serious incident management team, SIMT, has made a total of 16 recommendations and the HSE has confirmed that the implementation of the recommendations of the report is already well under way.

Legal proceedings have been issued in three cases and they will be managed by the State Claims Agency.

All imaging related to one individual consultant radiologist between 24 March 2016 and 27 July 2017 were reviewed. The HSE has advised the scope agreed for the review was focused solely on University Hospital Kerry. The consultant radiologist was placed on administrative leave pending a full review and has since resigned their position. The Irish Medical Council was notified of the concerns in relation to poor professional performance by this doctor in October 2017 and its assessment is still under way.

The total number of patients identified during the review with missed or delayed diagnosis is 11. Four of the patients identified with either missed or delayed diagnosis have now passed away. Of the 11 patients, eight had either re-presented to the health service or their diagnosis was made by the normal multi-disciplinary review. These patients had been diagnosed by the time of the look-back review. A further three, however, were found during the look-back review process and diagnosed thereafter as a result. Following repeat imaging during the recall, 59 patients were identified as requiring further clinical follow-up and-or investigation. Ten further patients have been referred to other hospitals for specialist care.

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