Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2010
57 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the date by which the inquiry team set up by the Health Service Executive to investigate the non-reporting of nearly 58,000 X-rays and the failure to process thousands of general practitioner referral letters at Tallaght hospital in Dublin 24 will complete their work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20250/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra122 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a final report on the unread X-rays and unopened general practitioner letters at Tallaght hospital, Dublin 24; if investigations have been carried out in other hospitals to ensure that similar systems failure does not pertain elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20183/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 122 together.
I welcome the completion of the process of reading and reporting on x-rays that were previously not read by consultant radiologists at Tallaght Hospital and also the management of GP referral letters at the hospital. No further delayed diagnoses were found other than the two initially identified. I am satisfied that the hospital is continuing to address the issues that arose in a way that will enhance confidence in the Hospital and thus reassure patients and their families.
On the 9th March 2010, the CEO of the Health Service Executive instructed that a review be undertaken into the circumstances that led to, and the subsequent management by Tallaght Hospital of, delays in reporting radiological examinations at the Hospital during the years 2005 to 2009. The review is also examining the Hospital's management and processing of GP referral letters. The CEO has specified that the Review would be chaired by a person independent of Tallaght Hospital and the HSE.
Dr. Maurice Hayes was announced as the Chair of the Review group on 18th March. The review team will prepare a report setting out the findings, conclusions and recommendations for submission to the HSE's National Director for Quality and Clinical Care, within 3 months of its first meeting, held on 23rd March.
The HSE has also been reviewing the situation regarding radiology reports in other hospitals, following the problems that emerged in Tallaght Hospital. It expects to complete its work in this regard within the next number of weeks
