Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 3

Written Answers. - Maternity Services.

Liz McManus

Question:

74 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to reports of a case where a pregnant mother of two (details supplied) was left to walk home to County Wicklow from the Rotunda Hospital following a threatened miscarriage; if he has requested or received any report from the hospital on this incident; the steps, if any, which are being taken to ensure that people are not discharged in this manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5946/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I have been made aware of the media publicity surrounding this case. Although I have not received any report from the hospital authorities concerning the matter, I have had inquiries made. They have indicated that they were concerned about the events as reported in the media and that they have investigated the matter. However, I understand the hospital authorities are reluctant to elaborate on the detail of the case as they do not want to breach the patient's right to confidentiality. They have advised my Department that normal procedures were followed in dealing with this case. They have further stated that they would meet with the patient to discuss the matter if she so desires and the patient has been advised to this effect.