Written answers

Thursday, 22 October 2015

Department of Health

Surgical Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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73. To ask the Minister for Health his views as to why independent medical assessments and reports are not being considered by the surgical symphysiotomy payment scheme; his plans regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35553/15]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Surgical Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme is operating very well since it was established on 10 November 2014. It was estimated that 350 women would apply to the Scheme, but in fact 578 applications have been accepted by the Scheme and as at 9 October 2015, 306 offers have been made.

The Scheme has brought to an end years of uncertainty and costs for women who have undergone surgical symphysiotomy. It was designed to be simple, straightforward and non-adversarial and aims to minimise the stress for all women concerned. The Scheme was designed following meetings with all three support groups, two of which have welcomed its establishment.

In the interest of accountability, the Scheme requires each Applicant to prove that she had a surgical symphysiotomy or pubiotomy in order to be considered for the assessment of an award. It is for the Assessor to determine whether an Applicant has identified and established any significant disability by objective evidence.  Judge Clark has commissioned independent medical experts in the areas of obstetrics and gynaecology, radiology and orthopaedic surgery to assist her in assessing applications, where she considers evidence is needed either that the procedure was undertaken, or of its consequences on the health of the woman.  The three consultants concerned are eminently qualified in their respective fields to do this work.  The weight, if any, to be given to any report submitted by an Applicant is entirely a matter for the Judge, as independent Assessor.

The Government has given careful and detailed consideration to this complex and sensitive matter. It believes that the provision of the Scheme, together with the ongoing provision of medical services by the HSE, including medical cards, represents a comprehensive response to this issue, which should help bring resolution for the women, many of whom are elderly, and their families.

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