Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the Hayes report on radiological examinations and GP referrals will be published; when the report of the faculty of radiologists will be published; if the Health Service Executive audit hospitals protocols and practices with regard to radiology has been completed; if its findings will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41880/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The Report of the Review of Radiology Reporting and the Management of GP referral letters at Tallaght Hospital was commissioned by the HSE. It was undertaken by Dr Maurice Hayes and launched and published by the HSE on 4th November 2010. A copy of the Report is available on the HSE website.

When the accumulation of the backlog of X-rays in Tallaght hospital became apparent the HSE took steps to ensure that there were no such problems in other hospitals. As part of this process the HSE engaged with the Faculty of Radiology to produce advice and guidance for the system based on risk assessment. The HSE also undertook a national audit of X-rays to identify if and where problems might exist in the wider health system. It is expected that the HSE will report on its findings in a matter of weeks.

The Faculty of Radiology also undertook, on its own initiative, to carry out a national workload and consultant manpower study in radiology departments. It is hoped that this study will be complete by the end of the year. The results of the study will be available to the HSE on completion.