Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Vicky Phelan was a unique individual and someone who will leave a lasting impact throughout our country and society but in her own words to each and every one of us in Dáil Éireann, she said:

I don't want your tributes. ... I want action. I want change.

As we know, the Patient Safety (Notifiable Patient Safety Incidents) Bill was initiated in the Dáil on 5 December 2019 to provide for mandatory open disclosure, placing a legal obligation on doctors to explain a mistake to a patient impacted by that mistake. The Bill's publication was a complete turnaround from the statement in January 2016 issued by the Department of Health to the effect that it would be counterproductive to enshrine open disclosure to patients in legislation. Open disclosure needs to be embedded in legislation to bring about a complete culture change in our medical profession. The cervical cancer scandal has reinforced the fundamental need for laws of this nature. The Bill was referred to a committee on 12 December 2019, seven days after its publication, and its Final Stages are currently before Dáil Éireann. The late Vicky Phelan said, "I want action." I would ask as a matter of priority that this legislation be passed and enacted before the end of this year, answering Vicky's call, sadly posthumously.

I wish to extend my sympathy and the sympathies of the members of the Regional Group to all the women and their families impacted by the cervical cancer scandal, to Vicky Phelan's family, her many friends and those whom she touched throughout her far-too-short life, but most especially to Jim, Amelia and Darragh. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

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