Responsibility for the provision of services at Cavan General Hospital rests with the North Eastern Health Board, NEHB.
An expert group was established by the board on the 2 February 2004 to undertake a review of all factors involved in this case. The review will cover the period from the child's first contact with Cavan General Hospital on the 7 January 2004 to her untimely death on the 1 February 2004. The expert group is comprised of senior clinical, nursing and risk management personnel and was asked by the board to report as a matter of urgency.
With regard to the suspension of the two consultants in Cavan General Hospital, I formed the committee of inquiry on the 30 January, 2004 and it held its first meeting on the 10 February, 2004. At the outset of this case, the chairman indicated that the work of the committee would take approximately eight weeks. It is probable, therefore, that the committee will finish its work in April. A report will then be produced by the chairman.