Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 May 1990

Vol. 398 No. 1

Written Answers. - Isotope Scans.

Roger T. Garland

Ceist:

79 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health whether patients and their next-of-kin who are referred for isotope scans to nuclear medicine departments are made aware of the content of the intravenous injections; whether it is his intention to institute a practice of the patient and/or next-of-kin signing a consent form prior to this procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter including the dangers which attach to this procedure.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

The normal medical practice is that patients are fully informed of the contents of any injections before they are given. Patients are also made aware of any possible side-effects and how to deal with them should they arise. In the case of children or persons not capable of understanding the procedure the details are explained beforehand to the parents, the next-of-kin or other responsible persons.

I consider that the present procedure for radio-isotope scanning is satisfactory and that the signing of a consent form is not necessary. I should add that the action plan which I announced for the health service in the House on 6 February last included the establishment of a hospital code of conduct. This code of conduct will cover the information to be given to patients before, during and after treatment and will include the points raised by the Deputy in this question.

I have asked the chief executive officer of each health board and the secretary/ manager of each voluntary hospital to submit details on this matter before the end of April. These will then be examined by my Department with a view to introducing suitable mechanisms in all hospitals.