Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she is considering the Tallaght hospital review report published by the Health Service Executive; if she will ensure that all recommendations are effectively implemented and take whatever further action is required to guarantee that public confidence in Tallaght hospital is fully restored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41788/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I have met with Dr. Hayes on 8th November and with the Chair of Tallaght Hospital on 9th November 2010 to discuss the implications of the report with them. I will meet shortly with the CEO and Chair of the HSE to establish how the recommendations of the report can be implemented as soon as possible. The main focus will be on what initiatives are needed both in the hospital and in the wider health system to provide sustained improvements in the services for patients.

I have expressed my serious concern about the management and governance issues in the hospital and about how some patients were managed. I note that, with the exception of two cases of delayed diagnosis before the review was established, the Report states that there are no unresolved issues involving the care or treatment of patients who were involved in the backlogs of X-rays or GP referral letters. I am aware that a small number of orthopaedic patients remain to be assessed and understand that the hospital will finalise these examinations as a matter of priority. I have also requested the HSE to examine the recommendations of the Hayes Report in detail and have called on the HSE and the hospital management to implement them as a matter of priority.