Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify remarks made by her in Dáil Éireann on 8 December 2009 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2569/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The external review of laboratory services, which was conducted for the HSE by Teamwork Management Services in 2007, highlighted limitations in the current organisation of laboratories. These limitations had an adverse effect on quality, turnaround time and cost. The review found that "the whole system quality" of laboratories was not of a sufficiently high standard. The review also found that the overall proportion of individual laboratory medicine disciplines that had achieved accreditation status was low, "end-to-end" information systems were unsatisfactory and logistic services were inadequate. It found as well that the general condition of the laboratory estate typically was traditionally designed and outmoded.

In light of the review, the HSE announced plans early last year to modernise laboratory services and to introduce significant efficiencies in the configuration and operation of these services. The HSE has already had significant engagement with stakeholders in progressing this initiative. Groups such as the Faculty of Pathology and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association will have a continuing input into the process.

I am also pleased to say that some improvements in laboratory service have taken place since the completion of the review. The number of individual laboratory disciplines which have been accredited has increased significantly. In addition, some reconfiguration of laboratory services has been achieved by transferring work undertaken in a number of small laboratories to larger laboratories. This allows for a higher level of throughput. I want to acknowledge the important role of staff and other stakeholders in effecting these changes and to the shared commitment of all to the objective of high quality laboratory services.