Following the Medical Council's investigation into the conduct of Dr. Michael Neary, which found him guilty of professional misconduct in relation to ten patients, the Government decided to establish a non-statutory inquiry chaired by Judge Maureen Harding Clarke.
Terms of reference were agreed by Government and the inquiry commenced its work in May 2004. The format and terms of reference for the inquiry were the subject of detailed discussion with Patient Focus, which is a patient advocacy group that represents former patients of Dr. Neary. In broad terms, the inquiry is examining the rate of peripartum hysterectomy at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, with particular reference to the period covered in the report of the Fitness to Practise Committee of the Medical Council relating to Dr. Michael Neary and the period since the publication of that report. The inquiry will seek to establish how this rate compared with the rate in other maternity units of similar status. It will also inquire into whether Dr. Neary's practice was commented or acted upon by others at the hospital and examine whether internal or external reviews were conducted. The inquiry will also report on the measures put in place to prevent a repeat of those events at the hospital and offer advice on any additional systems that should be put in place.
The inquiry team has already examined a substantial amount of documents and records which relate to the inquiry. It has conducted over 100 interviews to date with patients, Medical Missionaries of Mary sisters, both consultant and non-consultant doctors, midwives, nurses, theatre staff and non-medical personnel from the hospital. The inquiry has been asked to report within a nine month timescale.
