Calls for review to include previous 10 years

THE true scale of the miscarriage misdiagnosis scandal will not be uncovered unless the scope of the investigation is expanded to include the past 10 years, it has been claimed.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner after the publication of the detailed report, Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services (AIMS) Ireland spokeswoman Krysia Lynch said the sheer number of potential cases indicated more women have potentially suffered.

Independent review chair Professor William Ledger and Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sheffield University ruled out extending the review.

While welcoming the care taken in the current report, Ms Lynch said such a view looked at the issues from the HSE’s perspective and not that of women who may never know whether they needlessly lost their pregnancy. “I am confident there are more women out there who have been affected but this report doesn’t show that. We have certainly been contacted by a large number and I would expect more cases are in the pipeline.

“Some cases older than five years were included, which was good, but most women beyond the time frame didn’t realise they could contact the review.

“I can see why Prof Ledger made that statement, but that is viewing this issue from the HSE’s perspective and not the women involved,” she said.

Ms Lynch said the introduction of early pregnancy screening guidelines and mandatory training for anyone working in the field was “a vital step”.

However, the patients’ advocate said the chronic lack of staff which results in dangerously heavy workloads has to be addressed.

Health Minister Dr James Reilly insisted the review’s recommendations will be implemented and that any ultrasound equipment deemed to be a risk will be replaced “within weeks”.

However, Fianna Fáil whip and former Oireachtas Health Committee Chair Sean O Fearghail said the minister’s actions will speak louder than words.

“I am calling on Dr Reilly to confirm he will be demanding full and immediate implementation of all the recommendations. If women are to have confidence in maternity services, the HSE need to offer more assurance to expectant parents that we will give them proper treatment and care,” he said.

A total of 409 women initially called the miscarriage misdiagnosis helpline.

* To contact AIMS Ireland, email [e-mail]