Written answers

Thursday, 10 December 2020

Department of Health

Health Services Reports

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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165. To ask the Minister for Health the progress made in the implementation of recommendations made in the report into gynaecology services at Letterkenny University Hospital; if a wider independent review of services at Letterkenny University Hospital will be committed to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41265/20]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The report on the Gynaecology Service Review at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) made six recommendations to improve clinical outcomes and reduce delays for patients at LUH.

An Implementation Plan has been put in place for the recommendations of the Gynaecology Service Review report. The aim of the plan is to achieve robust improvements in the delivery of the gynaecology services in LUH and to secure efficient and sustainable services based on best clinical practice guidelines. The plan covers governance; outpatient referral; triage & clinical pathways; day case/inpatient surgery & clinical pathways; communication; ongoing support & monitoring of the service; and financial investment.  The HSE advises that an Implementation Group is in place to oversee the improvement work.  

Significant work has been undertaken in LUH to support the service. A Special Measures Team, from the Saolta Group, has been on site in LUH since early July to support and oversee the implementation plan to address the recommendations in the Review Report.  In addition, a National level Oversight Group is in place to provide assurance to the HSE Chief Operations Officer that the recommendations set out in the Clinical Service Review Report are actively implemented.

The HSE has advised that, separate to the work undertaken as part of the Gynaecology Service Review, the Saolta Hospital Group has sought an independent external review of the care provided to three further patients who attended the gynaecology service at LUH.  These women were diagnosed with cancers other than endometrial cancer, so they did not form part of the previous review.  The Saolta Group and LUH will communicate directly with the patients and families involved regarding this review.  

The HSE has also advised that a national review of endometrial cancer timelines across HSE sites is underway.

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