Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 June 2018
152. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health his plans to help the children affected by the recent review of paediatric audiology services in counties Mayo and Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25989/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra153. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the length of time the children affected by the recent review of paediatric audiology services in counties Mayo and Roscommon will be waiting for follow up appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25990/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra154. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the location in which the children affected by the recent review of paediatric audiology services in counties Mayo and Roscommon will have their follow-up appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25991/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 152 to 154, inclusive, together.
The HSE's Report of the look-back Review of Audiology Services in Mayo and Roscommon has been finalised and was sent to families on 8 June 2018. The final Report and accompanying communication includes an apology from the HSE for the failures identified and for the anxiety that this has caused to families and those who may have been harmed. It also includes an invitation to the parents of children affected to meet with a HSE senior manager and a senior audiologist to discuss the finding of the Report and to be updated on their child's care.
The HSE has confirmed that all 49 children who needed follow-up as a result of the look-back process are either currently receiving or have already received the appropriate care they need. The HSE has been asked to contact the Deputy directly with regard to the location of any future follow-up appointments.
The look-back report represents a thorough analysis of the quality of service delivery in the area against the standards for such services that were set out in the National Audiology Review Group Report (2011). Since 2011, the recommendations of this Report, including clinical governance and quality assurance processes, have been the benchmark for the quality of service delivery throughout the country.
It is appropriate that our health service strives continually to improve the quality of the services it provides and promotes a culture of learning where shortcomings are identified. My priority in relation to the families and children who have been impacted by the findings of this look-back is that the HSE takes swift action, including the provision of appropriate care, and I am satisfied that this has been done in this case.
