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Health Committee to meet HSE chief Paul Reid to get an update on the cyber-attack, Covid-19 vaccine roll-out and restrictions in maternity hospitals

22 Jun 2021, 14:37

The Joint Committee on Health will meet HSE chief Paul Reid, tomorrow, Wednesday, 23 June, to get an update on the recent cyber-attack, the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out and current public health restrictions in maternity hospitals.

Mr Reid will be joined by the HSE’s Chief Operating Officer, Anne O’Connor, Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry, Chief Information Officer Fran Thompson and Clinical Lead, Covid-19 Vaccination Programme Damien McCallion.  

The meeting will take place from Committee Room 2 at 9.30am with all witnesses appearing virtually.

Health Committee Cathaoirleach Seán Crowe TD said: “The pressure the Covid-19 pandemic has placed on our health service is unprecedented. The criminal cyber-attack on the HSE’s computer system compounded that stress and strain. The impact of the pandemic and Cyber-attack combined is traumatic for staff and especially for the growing number of patients of all ages who need to access care.

“The Committee welcomes this engagement with the HSE to get an update on the progress on the Covid-19 roll-out which is offering hope of continued lifting of restrictions. The Committee is also seeking an update on resolving issues created by the cyber- attack and an update on what is being done to protect the HSE IT system from future attacks.

“The Committee also wants clarification on the current policy and practice on public health guidelines in response to Covid-19 in maternity wards nationwide. Restrictions on partners being together for scans or during labour and childbirth cause both anxiety and distress. It is important that these restrictions, where they are still in place, are lifted as soon as possible.”

Watch the meeting live.

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