Ahern: Neary probe will help shape new bill
The report into disgraced obstetrician Michael Neary will aid legislation to outlaw similar behaviour in hospitals, the Taoiseach has stated.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said Judge Harding Clark’s recommendations will help frame the forthcoming Medical Practitioners Bill.
“That Bill is already well advanced but the recommendations of this report will help in its completion and will be very beneficial,” he said. “It will also be beneficial in the work that is well advanced on the health information equality authority and in the current consultant contracts negotiations.
“It will feed into all of these issues.”
Former consultant Neary unnecessarily removed scores of wombs from young mothers at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda between 1974 and 1998.
The report published today by Judge Maureen Harding Clark said the number of hysterectomies was shocking and blamed inadequate training supervision and a misplaced sense of confidence by Dr Neary in his own ability.
Mr Ahern also expressed his deep regret to the women affected by the trauma and suffering caused by Dr Neary.
Health Minister Mary Harney will meet with victims’ group, Patient Focus today, he said
“The findings and recommendations will be examined immediately and in great detail by the Department of Health and Children in consultation with the Health Service Executive and the various professional regulatory bodies involved in quality assurance in the hospital service,” he added.
Greens leader Trevor Sargent claimed a culture still existed in which consultants were viewed as gods, like priests in the 1950s.
“Many nurses are living in deference, if not fear, of consultants and there is a need to deal with that culture,” he continued.
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