Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:423 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the meeting he had with survivors of symphysiotomy on 1 October 2003. [22134/03]
Written Answers. - Official Engagements.
I met with representatives of the patient group Survivors of Symphysiotomy on 1 October 2003 to discuss concerns which they have raised about the use of symphysiotomy in obstetrical practice in the past. I listened carefully to the views expressed by the group who presented a number of case studies to me. I told the group that arrangements have been made by the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority to make a range of services available to women who had undergone the procedure of symphysiotomy, including provision of counselling services. An information pack for patients is to be compiled. A similar pack will also be made available to general practitioners. Independent clinical advice is to be offered where requested. The establishment of a helpline for patients is to be considered as a priority. Sympathetic consideration is to be given to the refund of medical expenses in respect of treatments required to address the effects of symphysiotomy, including the provision of medical assessment and treatment for patients.
The ERHA/health boards are to forward the name of liaison persons and to supply the group with details regarding the numbers of symphysiotomies carried out in their area.
I also advised the group that I would commission an external review of the procedure of symphysiotomy in Ireland in order to fully respond to the concerns of the group. Officials of my Department will be meeting again shortly with the group to review progress.