Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

32. To ask the Minister for Health if a full review of cases carried out by the audiologist that worked in counties Mayo and Roscommon for over a ten year period from the early 2000s will now be carried out in view of the recent failings identified as part of the review of paediatric audiology services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27794/18]

Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

86. To ask the Minister for Health if the failings identified as part of the review of paediatric audiology services in more than 900 cases by one audiologist in counties Mayo and Roscommon in each of the years 2011 to 2015, which left some children with lifelong impairments, will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27793/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 86 together.

The Report of the look-back of paediatric services in Mayo and Roscommon provided between 2011 and 2015 represents a thorough analysis of the quality of service delivery in the area against standards for such services that were set out in the National Audiology Review Group Report (2011). Since 2011, the recommendations of this Report, including clinical governance and quality assurance processes, have been the benchmark for the quality of service delivery throughout the country.

The Report and accompanying communication from the HSE includes an apology for the failures identified and for the anxiety that this has caused to families and those who may have been harmed. The HSE has invited parents of the children to meet with a senior manager and a senior audiologist to discuss the findings of this report and be updated on their child’s care.

All 49 children who needed follow up as a result of the look back process are either currently receiving, or have already received, the appropriate care they need.

The HSE is reviewing the employment history of the individual clinician who provided the service with a view to determining if any further action is required. This is being expedited as quickly as possible.