Written answers

Tuesday, 12 November 2019

Department of Health

Maternity Services

Photo of Peadar TóibínPeadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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367. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for not providing the couple at the centre of the false diagnosis crisis at the National Maternity Hospital the minutes of their meeting with the CMO in May 2019 and the minutes of the meeting that he had with the master of the hospital in August 2019; and if he will release those minutes pursuant to FOI. [46383/19]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the House will be aware, a termination took place at the National Maternity Hospital in March of this year on the grounds that a condition incompatible with life was present. The couple involved have requested a review of their case. 

My overriding concern as Minister for Health is for the couple involved and ensuring that questions regarding this incident are appropriately answered. As such, I support an independent and external review into this case. I have been advised that the National Maternity Hospital has commissioned such a review. I am sure that the Deputy would agree it is important to await the outcome of that review process, which will allow for a better understanding of what has occurred. It will also allow for any learning that may emerge to be disseminated throughout the health system. I can assure the Deputy and the House that any recommendations made by the review panel will be actioned by my Department, as well as the HSE in order to ensure that a similar incident does not occur again. My Department has also sought assurances from the National Maternity Hospital with regard to the safety and operation of the termination service, and it in turn has confirmed its compliance with the relevant legislation.

A note of the meeting which the family had with the CMO in May 2019 is being forwarded to their legal representative this week. My officials are currently examining the request that has been made for the note of the other meeting which the Deputy refers to.

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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368. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of each of the recommendations of the review of maternity services in Portiuncula Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46400/19]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Walker Report, which was the report of an external review into maternity services in Portiuncula University Hospital, was published on 3 May 2018. The report made 35 key recommendations under five themes: Environment, Training, Clinical Care, Staffing, and Communication issues. The HSE established an Implementation Group to progress these recommendations and I understand that significant progress has been made to implement these 35 recommendations.

I have asked the HSE to reply directly to you with regard to the current status of the implementation of the recommendations.

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