Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 11 Jul 1990

Vol. 401 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers - National Maternity Hospital Review.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

14 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the decision of the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin 2 to request a London based consultant gynecologist and obstetrician to conduct a review of its practices and procedures; if the hospital consulted his Department with regard to either the request or the terms of reference given to the consultant; if he considers that this is an adequate response to the public concern arising from the Dunne case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Dr. O'Hanlon

I am aware of the decision by the National Maternity Hospital to invite a distinguished nominee of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists from the United Kingdom to undertake an independent review of the hospital's practices and procedures. I met with the Deputy Chairman and Master of the Hospital and conveyed to them my own concern that public confidence in the hospital should not be undermined and that, if aspects of any case pointed to the need for a review of policies or procedures, it should be dealt with as part of an overall view of the service concerned.

I am pleased therefore to learn subsequently of the decision of the hospital to initiate the review to which the Deputy refers. I am awaiting the result of the review and I am confident that the hospital will make such changes in practice and procedure, as may be necessary, arising from this review.

Mr. Rabbitte

Can the Minister address the question of whether he was involved in setting the terms of this investigation? Was it prudent, having regard to the facts that were thrown up in the Dunne case, to allow the medical profession to investigate the medical profession — to allow the hospital to choose the person to carry out this inquiry? Does he intend to publish the eventual conclusions or recommendations for change or whatever is contained in the report?

Dr. O'Hanlon

I did not set the terms of reference. As I pointed out to the Deputy I did meet the Deputy Chairman and Master of the Hospital on 14 May last. I do not know whether the National Maternity Hospital wrote to the Royal college and asked them to nominate the particular obstetrician-gynaecologist. I understand that the gynaecologist concerned is a very eminent member of the Royal college. I am sure he will carry out his duties conscientiously. I look forward to receiving that report and if it is necessary to take any further action we will look at it in that context.

Mr. Rabbitte

Can the Minister confirm to the House that some of the procedures already have been changed in Holles Street, for example, the practice of monitoring only one heart beat in the case of twins? If it emerges that the Minister is dissatisfied with the report — one sincerely hopes it will be a serious investigation — in the matter of allaying public concern and fears that have arisen from the Dunne baby case, would he be prepared to institute an interdepartmental inquiry into the practices at Holles Street?

Dr. O'Hanlon

I am confident that the obstetrician-gynaecologist who will carry out the investigation will carry out his functions conscientiously. I do not anticipate, at this stage, that it will be necessary for me to take further action but if such is necessary I will take further action when that time arises.