Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 November 2019
152. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the proactive steps he has taken to make sure the external review into the crisis at the National Maternity Hospital, which he personally endorsed as necessary, will go ahead in view of the fact that the tragedy occurred seven months ago and the terms of reference for the review have not been published. [45711/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra153. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the reason he has failed to provide the couple at the centre of the false diagnosis crisis at the National Maternity Hospital the minutes of their meeting with the CMO in May 2019 and the minutes of the meeting that he had with the master of the hospital in August 2019; and if the minutes will be released pursuant to Freedom of Information. [45712/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
As the House will be aware, a termination took place at the National Maternity Hospital in March of this year on the grounds that a condition incompatible with life was present. The couple involved have requested a review of their case.
My overriding concern as Minister for Health is for the couple involved and ensuring that questions regarding this incident are appropriately answered. As such, I support an independent and external review into this case. I have been advised that the National Maternity Hospital has commissioned such a review. I am sure that the Deputy would agree it is important to await the outcome of that review process, which will allow for a better understanding of what has occurred. It will also allow for any learning that may emerge to be disseminated throughout the health system. I can assure the Deputy and the House that any recommendations made by the review panel will be actioned by my Department, as well as the HSE in order to ensure that a similar incident does not occur again. My Department has also sought assurances from the National Maternity Hospital with regard to the safety and operation of the termination service, and it in turn has confirmed its compliance with the relevant legislation.
I have also met with the family to hear directly of their experiences. A note of that meeting was provided directly to the couple on 23 October last by email. My officials are currently working on a response with regard to the other two notes which the Deputy has referred to.
