Vol. 503 No. 5
22 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the latest information he has received from the North-Eastern Health Board on the progress of the investigation it commissioned from the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists that a number of caesarean hysterectomies had been carried out unnecessarily by a consultant in the area; the outcome of any such investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10477/99]
The case is currently under investigation by an expert group nominated by the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on the initiative of the chief executive officer of the North-Eastern Health Board. All cases involving individual consultants are a matter for the relevant employer, in this case the North-Eastern Health Board and it would not be appropriate for me, as Minister or my Department, to become involved in an ongoing investigation of this nature, or to comment in any way upon the matter.
I understand that the report of the expert review group will be completed as soon as possible. I am satisfied that the North-Eastern Health Board will continue to deal with the matter with the best interests of patients and their families in mind, having due regard to the rights of the consultant concerned.
