Neary probe ‘needs greater powers’

WOMEN who had their wombs removed unnecessarily will tell Health Minister Micheál Martin tomorrow that the State’s inquiry into the controversy must have powers to summon witnesses and documents if it is to have their support.

Patient Focus, which represents the women, will also tell Mr Martin it has the backing of the 130 patients to turn its back on the inquiry into operations performed by Dr Michael Neary at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda if it falls short of what they want.

Chairperson Sheila O’Connor said they also wanted the inquiry’s terms of reference broadened to include women who had their ovaries needlessly removed and others damaged through gynaecological surgery performed by the consultant obstetrician.