Harney to meet group representing Dr Neary patients
The group representing women whose wombs were removed by Dr Michael Neary is due to meet the Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney today.
The meeting follows the publication yesterday of a report into the actions of Dr Neary, who carried out 129 hysterectomies at Our Lady's Hospital in Drogheda between 1974 and 1998.
Most obstetricians would carry out around 10 in their careers.
Yesterday's report expressed surprise that nobody seemed to have noticed this or brought it to the attention of the relevant authorities.
The report, made public yesterday by Tánaiste Mary Harney, also confirmed records of 44 patients were intentionally and unlawfully removed from the hospital to protect those involved in the hysterectomies or the reputation of the hospital.
Judge Clark said one person, or persons, who remain unidentified, was responsible for deliberate careful and systematic removal of key historical records which are missing together with master cards and patient charts.
Patient Focus, the group representing some of the affected women, is now demanding reform of the system to ensure that such a situation can never be repeated.
It also wants a redress board to decide on compensation for Dr Neary's victims, saying the State was ultimately responsible for failing to stop the doctor's activities.
