Martin expected to announce inquiry into Dr Neary case today

HEALTH MINISTER Micheál Martin is today expected to announce an inquiry into the conduct of a doctor who removed the wombs of 10 patients.

Mr Martin’s announcement is expected to follow a meeting with Patient Focus, the group representing many of Dr Michael Neary’s victims.

Dr Neary, who worked at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda, was found guilty of professional misconduct by the Medical Council over the removal of the wombs.

Yesterday, members of the North Eastern Health Board, which took over the hospital some years ago, discussed the Neary case at its first meeting since the doctor was struck off the medical registrar.

Board member and Sinn Fein deputy, Caoimhín Ó Caoláin, called for a public inquiry into Dr Neary’s activities and how he was allowed to perform so many caesarean hysterectomies. He asked board chief executive Paul Robinson to outline what steps were being taken to ensure there would be no similar recurrence at the hospital’s obstetrics unit.

Mr Robinson said since 1998 a whole series of changes had been made at the hospital, by and large by its own staff.

He said he had asked for a review of the previous audit of clinical practice at Drogheda to ensure medical practice there was in accordance with best international practice.

Mr Robinson said a garda investigation was being carried out and a number of civil cases were being taken on an individual basis.