Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Medical Investigations.

John Deasy

Ceist:

69 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will carry out an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a person from legionnaires' disease at Waterford Regional Hospital; if full disclosure of same will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12121/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the patient who contracted legionnaires' disease and died recently at Waterford Regional Hospital.

Following the diagnosis of legionnaires' disease, a hospital team including consultant microbiologists, nursing staff, management and technical services took immediate steps to identify and decontaminate the source of infection in accordance with the National Disease Surveillance Centre's guidelines on the management of legionnaires' disease in Ireland.

Having considered the case, the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board has decided to establish an independent investigation. The chairman of the investigation team is a professor of microbiology and he will be supported by a principal environmental health officer, a former health board deputy chief executive officer and a health board regional risk manager. In addition, the team will have access to whatever other technical or professional advice it requires.

The chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board has requested that the investigation team complete its report at the earliest opportunity and intends to have its findings published.