Calls for Harney to quit over failure to set up inquiry

SURVIVORS of a procedure where the pelvis of women in labour was split in two have demanded the resignation of Health Minister Mary Harney over her failure to establish an inquiry.

The Survivors of Symphysiotomy (SOS) group yesterday demanded a full independent public inquiry into the 1,500 suspected cases of the procedures in hospitals over five decades.

The calls came after the screening of a Prime Time Investigates documentary, screened on Thursday night, in which women affected by symphysiotomy spoke of the its devastating effect.