Written answers

Thursday, 25 February 2010

Department of Health and Children

Medical Inquiries

5:00 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will reverse her decision not to proceed with an inquiry into the practice of symphysiotomy in maternity hospitals here in view of the revelations (details supplied), that these operations were performed at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth, and the further research that showed that the number of such operations carried out here was three times the estimate of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9681/10]

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [9784/10]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 84 together.

Symphysiotomy is a medical intervention that is now very rarely used in Ireland. As an obstetric procedure, it is, and has been, a matter primarily for the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to advise and lead upon.

Accordingly, I have asked the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to prepare a report for me concerning the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland. I have asked that the report would:

provide the Institute's assessment of the circumstances in which symphysiotomy was carried out in Irish obstetric units;

indicate what protocols or guidance existed over the years to guide professional practice; and

specify when the practice changed and why it changed at that time in Ireland.

I have asked the Institute to have their report completed by the end of April. I understand that the Institute has indicated that it will examine the practice of symphysiotomy as requested by me, and that it is willing to meet with the group representing those who have had the procedure to hear their experience. Symphysiotomy has been superseded for many years by Caesarean section and I am satisfied that current medical practice in this regard is not in need of review.

I am committed to ensuring that the greatest possible support and services are made available to women who continue to suffer effects of having undergone this procedure. The women concerned continue to receive attention and care through a number of services which have been put in place including:

the provision of medical cards to all Survivors of Symphysiotomy (SOS) patients who requested them,

the nomination, since 2003, of a Liaison Officer for a patients' group comprised of women who underwent a symphysiotomy procedure,

the availability of independent clinical advice for former patients by Liaison Officers who assist in co-ordinating the provision of services to those patients,

the organisation of individual pathways of care and the arrangement of appropriate follow-up, including Medical Assessment, Gynaecology Assessment, Orthopaedic Assessment, Counselling, Physiotherapy, Reflexology, Home Help, Acupuncture, Osteopathy and fast tracked hospital appointments. I understand that to date, 125 women have availed of some or all of the services offered by the HSE,

the refund of medical expenses related to symphysiotomy in respect of medication/private treatments,

the establishment of a triple assessment service for patients at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin in January 2005, and

a Support Group facilitated by a counsellor which was set up in 2004 in Dundalk and Drogheda for women living in North East region.

I have been assured by the HSE that it will continue to monitor and oversee the provision of necessary support services for women. In doing so the HSE is committed to being proactive in seeking out and offering help to women who had symphysiotomies and who may wish to avail of the services offered by the HSE.

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