New probe into theft of patient files

GARDAÍ have confirmed a new investigation into the theft of patient files from a Drogheda maternity hospital is to begin shortly.

A decision to re-open the investigation was made following the publication this week of a report into why the hospital’s Caesarean hysterectomy rate was so high between 1974 and 1998.

During the inquiry, it emerged nearly one-quarter of childbirth-related hysterecomy files could not be found by the inquiry team and are believed to have been stolen. In her report, Judge Harding Clark stated she believed the files were taken deliberately to protect those involved in the hysterectomies or to protect the hospital’s reputation.