John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 140: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to help the victims of symphisiotomy; if she has met the victims; and the action she intends to take to assist them. [25284/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My predecessor, Minister Martin, met with the Survivors of Symphysiotomy (S.O.S.) Group in late 2003 and agreed that a range of measures would be put in place to support the Group. My Department is advised by the Health Service Executive (HSE) that the current position with regard to the services now in place is as follows:—

∙The former health boards and the relevant voluntary hospitals have appointed liaison officers, who met and continue to meet with patients who have undergone symphysiotomy to discuss their healthcare needs.

∙Independent clinical advice is available, on request, through the liaison personnel, to patients who have undergone symphysiotomy. This has already been availed of by a number of members of S.O.S. and appropriate follow-up has been arranged.

∙An assessment service for patients was established at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin. This service is provided by a multi-disciplinary team which undertakes an assessment of patients, following which recommendations for care pathways are discussed with individual patients.

∙Medical cards, based on medical grounds, have been granted, to S.O.S. patients.

∙The HSE has issued replacement medical cards containing a unique patient identifier that is designed to allow for the fast-tracking of patients who require hospital appointments and/or treatments. The provision of certain non-GMS items recommended for patients by their GP and /or consultant will continue and the pharmacist/supplier will be reimbursed by the HSE.

∙In addition, medical expenses related to symphysiotomy may be refunded, where necessary, to patients in respect of medication/private treatments required to address the effects of symphysiotomy.

∙Applications for home help and house modifications are dealt with on an individual basis and applications are fast-tracked, where necessary.

∙Independent counselling services are available to patients where requested.

∙Information packs have been made available to general practitioners and relevant healthcare personnel.

I met with the Chairperson of the SOS Group on the 17th January last. The Chairperson expressed satisfaction with regard to progess made to date.

I am satisfied that considerable progress has been made in putting in place the required level of support for patients who have undergone symphysiotomy. The HSE will continue to oversee the provision of necessary support services for this patient group. With the increasing use of caesarean section as a means of delivery, symphysiotomy is now rarely employed in obstetric practice.