Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 237: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of investigations being carried out in relation to the potential misdiagnosis of patients; the hospitals affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32108/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The vast majority of patients in this country receive effective and safe treatment from the health services. However, international studies show that a minority of patients can be harmed through their care either in hospital or in the community. A very large number of people are treated in the health services each year in our country. There are over 1.1 million emergency presentations, a further 1.1 million in-patient discharges (including day cases) and in excess of 2.8 million out-patient attendances. Based on international trends, there will be a certain level of adverse incidents ranging in severity, including potential misdiagnoses. Clearly it is not possible to itemise every analysis, investigation or review of each potential or actual misdiagnosis, or adverse incident, more generally.

Patient safety is an issue that requires clear leadership at all levels in the system. We must be satisfied that there is continuous improvement in the quality of the service being delivered. We must achieve a sustained reduction in adverse events together with appropriate follow-up support and care for all those involved when an incident does occur and that the system must have the confidence of patients, health care providers and the public.

I have asked the HSE to ensure that the reporting arrangements to my Department are clear and comprehensive regarding significant adverse events. I am also awaiting a report from the HSE Board relating to recent events which will inform this process.

I also established this year a special Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance which is scheduled to report to me by July 2008. The overall objective of the Commission is to develop clear and practical recommendations to ensure that quality and safety of care for patients is paramount within the health care system. Dr Deirdre Madden is chairing this Commission.