Meeting to discuss women’s issues

HSE chief executive Brendan Drumm yesterday agreed to hold a special meeting with female TDs and senators to discuss their concerns over women’s health issues.

The meeting, expected to take place within the next month, was suggested by Labour Party deputy leader Joan Burton during the three-hour meeting between parliamentarians and the health services chief.

It will be chaired by Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue.

The need for the meeting was raised after several female TDs and senators expressed concern about public confidence in breast cancer services, following the misdiagnosis of breast cancer patients in the midlands.

Some women TDs also expressed concern about plans outlined by Prof Drumm for maternity services to move towards a position where women with routine births will be discharged 12 hours after giving birth.

Ms Burton, and several of her colleagues, pointed out this could create difficulties.

Prof Drumm readily agreed to the meeting.