Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
162. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to advance an inquiry into mesh implants and sodium valproate; the progress to date on implementing previous recommendations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33613/20]
View answerConsiderable work has been done and continues to progress in Ireland in relation to the safe use of mesh implants and sodium valproate; and the patient voice is central to our understanding of these, and similar, issues.
An ongoing priority focus for the Department and the HSE is to put in place the necessary structures for, and the provision of, care of women who have been affected by the use of mesh. As part of the ongoing policy response, my department officials are examining options to establish a process for an independent, compassionate engagement for women affected by mesh to have their voices heard; and will make proposals to me in this regard. Any engagement process will need to take account of the wider context relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Report of the Chief Medical Officer to the Minister for Health on the Use of Uro-Gynaecological Mesh in Surgical Procedures was published in November 2018. Subsequently, the HSE published an Implementation Plan for the complete set of recommendations in April 2019. An ongoing work programme for the clarification and development of treatment pathways and appropriate referral services for women suffering from mesh-related complications is being progressed through the HSE, led by the National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP).
In terms of broader service provision going forward, the HSE’s proposals include the development of multidisciplinary specialist services for women suffering from mesh complications at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) and National Maternity Hospital (NMH) Dublin. Funding of €500,000 has recently been allocated to CUMH to establish the mesh specialist centre. In addition, the NWIHP is continuing to work with the NMH regarding their submission for the establishment of the parallel centre there. In addition, two translabial scanners, were procured by the HSE in late 2019, and are now onsite in both hospitals. However, the first scanning clinic, which was due to take place last March had to be postponed, due to the pandemic.
All women affected by mesh have been strongly encouraged to engage with the relevant HSE contact points and the associated care pathways, to ensure that their service needs can be identified and provided for. Information on this is available on the HSE website.
There are no plans at present to hold an independent inquiry into the use of valproate medicines in Ireland. However, the Minister is scheduled to meet with patient representative groups later this month to discuss this and other issues relating to sodium valproate.
