Serious questions for Tallaght Hospital Chairman and Board – O’Connor

Fianna Fail TD for Dublin South West Charlie O’Connor has said the failure of thousands of x-rays at Tallaght Hospital to be read by a radiologist is a devastating and shocking revelation that raises serious questions about the governance of the hospital which must be addressed immediately by the Chairman and the Board.
 
“I have been informed that concerns surrounding x-rays at Tallaght Hospital were raised with the Chairman of Tallaght Hospital in April last year.  The fact that Professor Conlon (Chief Executive designate) says he immediately set out to deal with this failure when he was appointed in mid-December suggests that it was not addressed for months.  There are now serious governance issues here that must be dealt with and we should hear from the Chairman of the board on this matter,” said Deputy O’Connor, who is a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children.

“I expressed my concerns about the matter to the Taoiseach last night and spoke to him again this morning.  I will also be meeting with my colleague Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children) to examine what role the committee can play in holding the board of Tallaght Hospital and the HSE to account for this failure of patient care,” said Deputy O’Connor.

To date Tallaght Hospital has completed the reading of 34,752 x-rays with a balance of 23,169 x-rays, relating to approximately 14,000 patients, yet to be read by a Consultant Radiologist. Tallaght Hospital projects this will be completed by May but is meeting the HSE to examine options to conclude the review earlier.

“The over-riding priority has to be the patients who have been badly let down.  I support the investigation that has been announced by the HSE, which is being headed up by a person independent of Tallaght Hospital and the HSE,” added Deputy O’Connor.

“I want the findings of this investigation to be published as soon as possible, regardless of the findings,” concluded Deputy O’Connor.

Tallaght Hospital has set up a freephone helpline for patients and their families who may be concerned, 1800 283 059.  It is open from 9am to 5pm.