Compensation for Neary victims to be agreed within weeks
The Government will agree on a compensation scheme for victims of disgraced obstetrician Michael Neary within a fortnight, it emerged this afternoon.
An inquiry into the struck-off consultant’s work at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda found he removed 129 wombs over a 25-year period, over 10 times the norm.
Victims’ group, Patient Focus today met Health Minister Mary Harney for 90 minutes at Government Buildings on the issue.
Chairperson Sheila O’Connor said afterwards that Ms Harney will consult them before bringing concrete proposals to Government.
“We’re totally happy with today’s meeting,” she said.
“The proposals aren’t firmed up yet but she’s going to come back next Tuesday or the Tuesday afterwards, very quickly, within a fortnight.
“The main thing she said was how sorry she was, and we knew she was from her demeanour and her approach. She said she wanted to sort out the issue quickly.
“She said she wanted to speak to us before she brought concrete proposals to Government and we’re totally happy with that.”
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern earlier apologised in the Dáil to the women on behalf of the Government and promised an all-party debate.
He also criticised the Irish Medical Council and the College of Obstetrics for failing to monitor Dr Neary’s work.
Opposition parties called for a patients’ watchdog and legislation to protect whistleblowers.
Colm McGeehin, a solicitor for Patient Focus, which represents over 100 victims, said it was impossible to estimate the potential cost of compensation.
“The cost will depend on the number of people involved but it’s not a huge number compared to the Hepatitis C scandal or the residential institutions,” he said.
“Obviously the minister will have to take into account that there are other people culpable here.”
Mr McGeehin added that victims would continue to co-operate with the garda investigation.
Mr Ahern earlier told the Dáil: “In relation to compensation, yes it is an issue that the Government will address.
“But the hospital is insured, the doctor is insured. We have to make sure in whatever arrangements are made, that it is not the taxpayer that picks up everything.”
Mr Ahern said the Government found the inquiry’s findings very damning but its recommendations would be carefully examined and would inform legislation in the area.
Sinn Féin’s Dáil leader Caoimhghin O Caolain said: “Scores of women have been seriously hurt to this day and have been suffering as a result of their experiences.
“None of them was told what was being done to them.”
He noted that Judge Harding Clark’s report also showed that consultants take up too much of their time with private patients.
“The women need to know what are you going to do to have that culture removed to guarantee to other women that this can never happen again.”
Earlier, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny repeated calls for whistleblower legislation and for a new Patient Safety Authority watchdog.
“We need comprehensive whistleblower legislation that will provide protection for staff in any organisation that brings attention to wrongdoing.
“A Patient Safety Authority could provide an invaluable voice for patient interests and would ensure that patient safety is at the centre of medical practice and that all professional bodies meet the highest standards.”
Mr Kenny also called for a full garda investigation of sinister issues detailed in Judge Harding Clark’s report, including three break-ins at Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital, missing files and interference with records.
The Taoiseach said party whips were currently setting aside time for a Dáil debate on the issue.
He said the Government felt it was best international practice to include several whistleblower mechanisms in separate pieces of sectoral legislation rather than in a single law.
Mr Kenny said it was very upsetting that some people came forward with information but it was not acted on.
“Effectively, there was a wall of silence and denial about the events,” he said.
“It is also quite sinister that Judge Harding Clark reported three forced criminal entries to her premises took place while the inquiry was under way.”
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte claimed that it took a year to get a reply when patients wrote to then Health Minister Brian Cowen.
“If there had been whistleblower protection, a member or members of the health service staff would have brought this to light earlier,” he added.
“It is an extraordinary saga that this could have gone on over 24 years and were it not for a particular midwife who blew the whistle, the doctor might still be doing it.
“Will a suitable system of redress be up in place for the women who comprise that group and who were so disgracefully treated at the hands of our health services?”
Mr Ahern again expressed his deepest regret and apologised to the women and their families for what happened.
He said Ms Harney will also hold meetings with the hospital’s board and the Medical Council.
He added: “I wish to state, on behalf of the Government, that it is sorry and deeply regrets what happened. Everyone is equally appalled.
“The Garda conducted an investigation into this matter previously. However, given the report’s publication and findings, it will be sent to the Garda who will carefully study it.”
Mr Rabbitte called for a comprehensive Dáil debate on the scandal and for outstanding issues to be immediately referred to the Oireachtas Health Committee.
The Taoiseach also said he was very concerned that several reviews into Dr Neary’s work, had found nothing untoward.
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