Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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376. To ask the Minister for Health if WHO ICD classification criteria were adhered to on the death certificates of persons who died of septicaemia in University Hospital Limerick and in particular if the causative microorganism was recorded on the death certificates. [40738/16]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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377. To ask the Minister for Health if HIQA has been requested to review the circumstances of deaths from septicaemia in University Hospital Limerick. [40739/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 377 together.

From January 2015, Ireland has adopted the Eighth Edition of the ICD (International Classification of Disease)10-AM classification which includes a revised Australian coding standard ACS 0110 for sepsis (A40, A41, A02.1, A22.7, A26.7, A32.7, A42.7, B37.7, T81.42, R65.0), severe sepsis (R65.1) and septic shock (R57.2). This is a new coding system being introduced internationally in relation to sepsis and Ireland is, for the first time, able to systematically track its rates of sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. The first annual National Sepsis Outcomes Report for Ireland using this data was launched on December 8 2016. This report is available on the HSE website at: .

The implementation of clinical guidelines can improve health outcomes for patients, reduce variation in practice and improve the quality of clinical decisions. National Clinical Guidelines endorsed by the Minister for Health are mandated for implementation in the Irish health system. Implementation is monitored through the HSE Performance Assurance Reports, compliance with HIQA's National Standards for Safer Better Healthcareand increased alignment with the clinical indemnity scheme. Key performance indicators to measure the implementation and impact of National Clinical Guidelines have been developed.

The service matters raised by the Deputy in relation to University Hospital Limerick have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.