Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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639. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the review of scans at University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12913/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Minister and the Department of Health were notified by the HSE in September 2017 of this patient safety issue, where cases of misdiagnosis / failure to diagnose occurred at University Hospital Kerry Radiology Department and the commencement of the look-back review. The Department and the Minister received regular updates on the progress of the review, including the publication of the report.

Throughout the review process, the Department continually sought and was assured by the HSE that open disclosure and direct contact with each patient was occurring, where clinically significant findings were identified through the Look-back Process.

The HSE has assured the Department that it is continuing to engage with and support the patients who have been impacted by these issues, and that open disclosure and follow up care as needed has occurred with all affected patients and their families.

The HSE has also confirmed that the implementation of the recommendations of the Report is underway.

While the Department of Health and the Minister are unable to comment on individual cases, the Minister has expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the patients and families involved and acknowledges this was a time of uncertainty for patients and their families.

The Deputy's question has been referred to the HSE for further reply.