Vol. 530 No. 2
101 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that thymus glands have been retained by Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children for research purposes; when his Department was informed of this practice; the plans he has in relation to this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3472/01]
I have recently been informed that part, or sometimes all, of the thymus gland is removed from patients during paediatric cardiac surgery undertaken at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. I am advised that this procedure is necessary to gain access to the heart in the course of complex surgery. I am also advised that on occasion the tissue has been retained for research purposes.
My Department has asked the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, as the standards institution, to consider how surgeons would provide appropriate information to patients and/or family members in relation to the necessity of removing the thymus tissue during cardiac surgery and seek consent for the use of such tissue for bona fide research purposes.
