Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
I have informed by the Blood Transfusion Service Board that the person concerned was tested on 2 March 1994 under the national blood screening programme which was introduced to screen all women who had received the anti-D product to identify those who were infected with hepatitis C. The test was ELISA negative, and the person's general practitioner was notified accordingly. A further test was referred to the board by the person's GP in March in 1996 under the national optional testing programme which was introduced to ensure that all recipients of blood transfusions or blood products who might possibly have become infected with the virus through the receipt of such transfusions or products were given the option of being tested free of charge. This test was also ELISA negative and this result was reported to the person's general practitioner immediately. The board did not conduct any further testing for the hepatitis C virus in respect of this person, and did not refer her for treatment at St. James's Hospital.
The person concerned has been treated in St. James's Hospital for a number of complaints. She first attended the special hepatitis C clinic in July 1996, having been referred by her general practitioner who understood that a positive diagnosis for the virus had recently been made by the consultant in the clinic although this was not the case. A further test was carried out by the consultant in order to reassure the person concerned and this test has also proved to be negative.
The person's medical chart was available for the appointment of the person concerned at the ENT clinic on 30 August. The chart was not available for her appointment in the hepatology clinic on 3 October. Despite intensive searches, the chart could not be traced and a temporary chart was created. On 9 December the chart reappeared in the medical records area and it has not been possible to ascertain its whereabouts during the intervening period.