Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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1466. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the response of both his Department and the HSE to address and prevent issues of foetal misdiagnosis occurring within the maternity and termination of pregnancy services; if he will specifically address as part of his response any policy or regulatory changes occurring in this space following an incident of fatal misdiagnosis that occurred in a case (details supplied); if an independent review is taking place; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13608/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Perinatal genetics is a clinical service that focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, management and treatment of anomalies before birth. The HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) is developing a Framework for the establishment of a National Perinatal Genomics Service. This Framework will effectively form part of the HSE’s Genetics & Genomics Strategy and will provide the road map for the development of structured perinatal genetics services in Ireland and the investment underpinning it. Funding of €1.34m was provided through Budget 2022 for the initial establishment of a perinatal genetics services.

Establishing this specialist service is in keeping with broader objectives set out in the National Maternity Strategy, to provide maternity services that are woman-centred, that provide integrated, team-based care, that increase choice to women whilst ensuring that services are safe. As such, NWIHP sees the development of the perinatal genetics service as an important part of a comprehensive prenatal diagnostic service, in addition to the established provision of the anomaly scan across all 19 maternity units and the existence of a national foetal MRI service.

In addition, a Review of the operation and management of termination of pregnancy services, as provided under Section 11 of the Health (Regulation of Termination Pregnancy) Act 2018, was commissioned by the Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE. Work is nearing completion and it is expected that the recommendations from the Review will be made and submitted to the Commissioner and the HSE Oversight Group by the end of April.

This Review examines areas such as screening and diagnostics services in the context of fatal foetal anomalies and life limiting conditions, access to multidisciplinary expertise including clinical genetics and other specialities, counselling services, including genetic counselling and follow-up care including bereavement and other service user supports.

Finally, in the context of termination of pregnancy more broadly, as the Deputy will be aware, in December 2021 I commenced the Review of the operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 in line with statutory and Government commitments. I can now confirm that I have received the Report of that Review. The Report assesses whether services mandated under the Act are being delivered and makes certain recommendations in relation to service improvement. I will review this comprehensive Report and make the necessary arrangements to submit it for the consideration of the Government.