Neary patients’ fury as Martin cancels meeting abruptly

FORMER patients of disgraced consultant Michael Neary were yesterday infuriated by a cancellation at short notice of a planned meeting with Health Minister Mícheál Martin.

The Patient Focus group was yesterday expecting the minister to announce the name of a chairman and discuss the terms of reference of a proposed inquiry into the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda over the past three decades.

However, less than three hours before the already twice re-scheduled meeting was due to take place, it was cancelled at the minister’s request. A department spokesperson said a very urgent matter had arisen, which forced the postponement.

The proposed inquiry is expected to follow the decision of the Medical Council to remove Michael Neary from the medical register for professional misconduct and to refer all files to the Gardaí for investigation.

Several members of the patient group had made their way to Dublin yesterday before being contacted by the department.

A spokesperson for the group said: “It is difficult not to conclude that damaged patients come very low on the minister's list of priorities.”

Patient Focus said it was not the first time the group was let down by Mr Martin, as yesterday’s meeting had already been rescheduled from November 6.

In a statement, Patient Focus said: “Two women had already travelled to Dublin, another was en route by bus and the remaining two were on the point of leaving home.

“We have always treated the minister and his office with courtesy and patience, making allowances for his busy timetable but, unfortunately, this hasn't been reciprocated.”