State to pursue clinic for implants treatment costs
Dr Reilly said the response of the clinic to the Poly Implant Prosthèse (PIP) controversy had been “disappointing” and had not gone unnoticed.
It emerged on Tuesday that taxpayers could face a bill of €3m for the removal of the faulty implants which were manufactured by the French company.
Of the 1,500 women in Ireland with PIP implants, 1,000 had them fitted by the Harley Medical Group which has, in the words of the department, “failed to provide an appropriate care package for its clients”.
The other 500 women were dealt with by Clane Hospital in Kildare and Shandon St Hospital in Cork, but the department’s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said he was “not satisfied that the Harley Medical Group will fulfil their obligations in an acceptable manner”.
He said the women were getting “the runaround”.
The standoff has led to the women being offered services from the National Purchase Treatment Fund and yesterday Dr Reilly said: “We have made arrangements that people can seek a consultant’s opinion and have these prosthesis removed if necessary if that’s what they desire.
“It’s important to emphasise there is no health risk associated with this, but if people have a concern they can talk with a consultant.”
He had harsh words for the clinic stating: “We will pursue the Harley Group for any costs incurred, and I have to say their tardiness in coming to cooperate with this, unlike Clane and others, is very disappointing and has not gone un-noticed.
“This will be pursued by my department very aggressively.”
Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland yesterday, Dr Holohan said fresh data indicated the health risks from PIP implants appeared to be less than first feared.
