asked the Minister for Health if he will state whether he has investigated a complaint about the removal of a plaster of Paris spica from a female patient at the County Hospital, Ennis, and has transmitted his findings in the case to the Clare County Council; and, if so, if he will state what the findings were.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Removal of Plaster Cast.
The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. After considering the evidence, I have no reason to believe that there was any irregularity in connection with the matter. I have, however, thought it desirable to make certain recommendations to the Clare County Council so as to obviate any possibility of complaint in the future. The removal of a plaster cast may be regarded as being in two stages, the opening or cutting of the plaster and the actual removal. I have recommended that the actual removal should always in future be done by a member of the medical staff and that special care should be taken to ensure that a nurse is always present during the cutting of the plaster when a member of the medical staff is not present.