HSE Reports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 February 2014

Thursday, 13 February 2014

Questions (38)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

38. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the total number of Health Service Executive internal written reports that have been conducted into perinatal deaths since the HSE came into being; the total number of written reports that have been conducted into perinatal deaths where parents of those children have not been informed that such a report exists; the reasons in such cases those parents have not been informed that such a report exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6892/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive conducts investigations into serious incidents including perinatal deaths and the Executive's Risk and Incident Investigation Process provides a framework for conducting such investigations. Investigations of serious incidents including baby deaths have been conducted under the Process with support provided by the Executive's National Incident Management Team as appropriate. The Department does not receive information on HSE investigations as a matter of course.

The Chief Medical Officer of my Department is currently preparing a report for me on the issues at Portlaoise. I have assured the families concerned that the process will be transparent, that they will be involved and will have the opportunity to see the report in advance of the release. The findings of the CMO's report will inform any subsequent work to be undertaken by HIQA or others including any wider review.