Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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844. To ask the Minister for Health if he will order an urgent independent review of all departments and specialities at Letterkenny University Hospital following the recent findings of the independent review into the gynaecological department at the hospital [24115/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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A Review of Gynaecology Services at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) was initiated by the HSE after eight cases of delayed diagnosis were identified in women with endometrial cancer.

The purpose of the Review was to assess the quality and safety of the LUH Gynaecology Service, with a focus on the pathway of care for women presenting with post-menopausal bleeding including subsequent diagnostic pathways for potential gynaecological cancers.  The Review found that the gynaecology service at LUH experienced long waiting lists, and operated governance and administrative practices which led to delays and suboptimal patient experience.   

The Review Report made six recommendations including increasing capacity and staff capability, reviewing the referral and triage system for gynaecology patients, improving communication processes and improving governance structures.  

The HSE has advised that these recommendations are currently being put into effect by an Implementation Group within the Saolta HealthCare Group.  In addition, a national level HSE Oversight Group will provide assurance that the recommendations are actively implemented within the agreed timeframe. Furthermore, I am advised by the HSE that a Special Measures Team has been on-site in Letterkenny University Hospital since early July identifying and driving operational changes. 

In the Review Report, it was recommended that the LUH Gynaecology Service should undertake a self assessment against the HIQA National Standards for Safer, Better Healthcare, 2012.  I am advised by the HSE that work undertaken to date on the self-assessment will be expanded in the coming months, encompassing all services.