I propose to take Questions Nos. 2, 31, 49, 53, 57, 64, 70, 77, 78, 79, 82, 96, 98 and 156 together.
As I have already indicated to the House, treatment for those who test positive for hepatitis C arising from the national blood screening programme is being provided at the following hospitals: St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin; Beaumont Hospital, Dublin; Mater Hospital, Dublin; St. James's Hospital, Dublin; Cork Regional Hospital and University College Hospital, Galway.
Special consultant staffed clinics have been set up in these hospitals and the number of patients who have been referred to these clinics is 371. The number of patients who have attended at one of the six designated hospitals is 316. A total of 296 patients have been referred to have liver biopsy and the number who have undergone a liver biopsy is 180. It is not possible at this early stage to give a general statement on the results of these biopsies.
It is alleged that some years ago a person died from a fulminant hepatitis which, it is alleged, was related to a blood transfusion. Medical opinion strongly indicates that this would not, in all likelihood, have been due to hepatitis C but I am having the matter fully investigated. If the Deputy has any further information on any particular case, I would be glad if he would send me whatever details he has, and I will be in touch with the Deputy in due course.
As I have already indicated to the House, any treatment for those who test positive for hepatitis C arising from the national blood screening programme is being provided by the public hospital service free of charge. The length of time that a patient will be on treatment for hepatitis C is a matter for clinical decision in each case.
The board of the VHI on 17 May announced its decision to provide cover towards the costs of private hospital accommodation and consultants' charges for members who test positive for hepatitis C arising from the national blood screening programme. My Department will continue to cover the costs of any drugs and medicines prescribed by clinicians for all patients including VHI subscribers who opt for private care.
Screening of children and partners of women who test positive for hepatitis C is under way. I have been informed by the Blood Transfusion Service Board that as at 23 May 1994, 535 children and 167 partners had been screened for hepatitis C. I understand that up to today six children and one partner have tested RIBA positive and further investigations are under way in these cases. There are three stages of testing, namely, the Eliza, the RIBA and the PCR. These people are being notified by the Blood Transfusion Service Board.
I am aware that an action group has been formed for women who test positive for hepatitis C arising from the screening programme. I have received a request to meet with representatives of this group and I have written to the group indicating that I will meet with them in the near future. The Blood Transfusion Service Board has undertaken to provide assistance in terms of expertise and information to any support group or individual.
Counselling is being provided at the Blood Transfusion Service Board's headquarters in Dublin and at the regional centre in Cork for people who have tested positive for hepatitis C. Counselling is provided by the Blood Transfusion Service Board medical consultants and by doctors employed specifically to provide this service. General practitioners throughout the country are also providing a counselling service. In addition, arrangements have been made for counselling to be provided by other health professionals where this is deemed to be appropriate. The Blood Transfusion Service Board will continue to see people on an individual basis at the Blood Transfusion Service Board and in addition are initiating a programme whereby people will be given the opportunity to participate in a series of up to three group sessions. These sessions will comprise 12 women coming together to meet with a hepatitis C specialist and a specialist in stress-anxiety management for a presentation on hepatitis C and a question and answer session.
No consideration has been given at this stage to the question of compensation.
While public health doctors were involved in counselling of recipients of anti-D at the outset of the screening programme, at this stage, public health doctors are not involved in the screening, counselling and treatment programmes in relation to hepatitis C.
Consultants employed by the Blood Transfusion Service Board have collected considerable information from experts in other countries on hepatitis C. Relevant information gathered from experts has been made available to health professionals and the general public through conferences, leaflets and during counselling with individual patients.