Gerry Adams
Ceist:161. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the quality assurance and control processes are sufficient to provide public confidence when X-rays and scans are taken. [18011/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 7 May 2015
Ceisteanna (161)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Health I believe that every individual who uses our health services is entitled to expect and receive care of the highest standard and to be treated in an atmosphere of safety and care.
In 2012, the Faculty of Radiology launched their national Quality Assurance Programme in Radiology (NQAPR). In outlining the importance of such quality assurance structures and functions, the Faculty explained that "like many diagnostic services that involved decision making under conditions of uncertainty, a certain degree of error is inevitable". The challenge to every system internationally is to ensure systems are put in place to mitigate risk, minimise the degree of error and provide assurance around the services provided.
The process of audit is built into radiology practice. Peer review occurs continuously: radiologists review older images when reporting on new images. In addition, radiology departments partake in multidisciplinary team meetings, where images are reviewed by teams who decide on the treatment a patient should receive. In line with the recommendations of the NQAPR, many departments hold discrepancy meetings, with open discussion of cases where reports appear to be inaccurate. Such meetings facilitate collective learning, improving patient safety. Prospective double reporting is where a consultant radiologist seeks a second opinion from another consultant radiologist within his or her department on a particular case prior to authorisation.
Radiological services will be improved through the implementation of Hospital Groups. Within Groups, a networked approach will be adopted, allowing the major centres to direct and manage services. This will ensure that appropriate and enhanced governance and staffing arrangements are in place. The full implementation of the National Integrated Medical Imaging System (NIMIS) which provides filmless imaging data and enhances the secure and rapid movement of patient image data throughout the health service including across hospitals within Hospital Groups is continuing to enhance radiological services nationally.
Finally, new structures have been created in the HSE and in my Department to advance patient safety and clinical effectiveness. The creation of a Quality Improvement Division within the HSE and the Clinical Programmes set up between the HSE and the RCPI, have greatly enhanced our governance and capacity for ensuring robust quality and risk frameworks, developing models of best practice in clinical care. The establishment and strengthening of the Clinical Effectiveness Unit in my Department has been fundamental to reducing risk and improving the performance of our health system. I fully support this clinical effectiveness agenda. It is vital that Ireland has a suite of quality assured National Clinical Guidelines and National Clinical Audit in place. These are standards for patient care and treatments set out by leading clinicians in the health service.