Written answers

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concerns (details supplied) regarding the way in which patients' documentation is being checked at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin; and if he will provide an update on the security that has been instigated at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. [14175/13]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Hospital staff are fully aware of the need to protect patient confidentiality in relation to personal data. In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.

Photo of Derek KeatingDerek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline, in tabular form, following a report that there is a backlog of 6,000 scan and x-ray reports at Tallaght Hospital which have yet to provide diagnosis or findings to general practitioners, the number outstanding in the Rathcoole area of Dublin [14179/13]

Photo of Derek KeatingDerek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline in tabular form, following a report that there is a backlog of 6,000 scan and x-ray reports at Tallaght Hospital which have yet to provide diagnosis or findings to general practitioners, the number outstanding in the Saggart area of County Dublin [14180/13]

Photo of Derek KeatingDerek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline in tabular form, following a report that there is a backlog of 6,000 scan and x-ray reports at Tallaght Hospital which have yet to provide diagnosis or findings to general practitioners, the number outstanding in the Newcastle area of County Dublin [14181/13]

Photo of Derek KeatingDerek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline in tabular form, following a report that there is a backlog of 6,000 scan and x-ray reports at Tallaght Hospital which have yet to provide diagnosis or findings to general practitioners, the number outstanding in the Palmerstown area of Dublin [14182/13]

Photo of Derek KeatingDerek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline in tabular form, following a report that there is a backlog of 6,000 scan and x-ray reports at Tallaght Hospital which have yet to provide diagnosis or findings to general practitioners, the number outstanding in the Lucan area of County Dublin [14183/13]

Photo of Derek KeatingDerek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline in tabular form, following a report that there is a backlog of 6,000 scan and x-ray reports at Tallaght Hospital which have yet to provide diagnosis or findings to general practitioners, the number outstanding in the Clondalkin area of Dublin [14184/13]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 468 to 473, inclusive, together.

I appreciate the opportunity to outline the situation in relation to radiology reporting at Tallaght hospital. I am assure by the hospital that there is no predicted impact on patient safety. All urgent, critical and prioritised reports, as well as referrals from Emergency Department and Paediatrics are reported and typed within 24 hours.There are clinical governance processes in place at the hospital for radiologists, the doctors who examine x-rays, to ensure that any significant or urgent cases are responded to immediately. Any critical or urgent findings are immediately brought to the attention of the referring doctor and to the clerical staff who then transcribe and send the report immediately.

There are currently 6000 images reported but untyped – this represents 3.5% of the total number of reports typed annually. Standard turnaround time for routine reports is 2 to 3 weeks, these tapes are currently 5 weeks old - this means that there is a 2-3 week delay in typing these images. The Radiology Department, with the Diagnostic Directorate and Executive Team at the hospital are taking a number of steps to address this issue, including additional clerical support in Radiology to assist with typing of tapes. It is intended that the backlog will be cleared in approximately 5 weeks.

In relation to the specific query from the Deputy regarding the number x-rays outstanding to GPs for particular areas in Dublin I have asked the HSE to contact the Deputy directly in this matter.

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