Plans to avoid repeat of breast implant complications

The Government plans to prevent a repeat of the PIP breast implant fiasco, signalling Hiqa will get new powers to inspect private hospitals and certain cosmetic surgery procedures.

The plans contained in legislation to be announced today would extend the reach of the inspections’ watchdog and would give Hiqa an oversight role on research ethics committees for clinical trials involving medicines and devices.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar will today give further details of the plans, which will be implemented by new legislation in an amendment of the Health Act 2007.