Hospital inquiry details to be revealed

THE state’s independent health watchdog will announce the terms of reference for its inquiry into Mallow General Hospital today.

A spokesperson for the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) confirmed last night that the inquiry is being established under Section 9 of the Health Act 2007, which empowers it to undertake an investigation on the grounds that there is a serious risk to the health or welfare of patients.

HIQA used the same powers to conduct an inquiry at Ennis General Hospital in 2008 following complaints from the families of two patients.