Ahern: Govt will consider compensation for Neary victims
The Government will seriously consider compensation for the victims of Dr Michael Neary, but the taxpayer shouldn’t be expected to pick up the bill every time, the Taoiseach told the Dáil today.
Female patients of the disgraced obstetrician will today press Minister for Health Mary Harney to set aside millions of euro in damages for having their wombs needlessly removed.
An inquiry into Neary’s practices at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda found he removed 129 wombs over a 25-year period, 10 times the norm for a obstetrician.
Apologising to the victims in the Dáil, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern added: “In relation to compensation, yes it is an issue that the Government will address.
“But the hospital is insured, the doctor is insured. We have to make sure in whatever arrangements are made, that it is not the taxpayer that picks up everything.”
Mr Ahern said the Government found the inquiry’s findings very damning but its recommendations would be carefully examined and would inform legislation in the area.
Mr Ahern said Ms Harney will today discuss all issues with victims’ group, Patient Focus as well as professional organisations like the Irish Medical Council.
Sinn Féin’s Dáil leader Caoimhghin O Caolain called for a redress board to be set up to award compensation to victims.
“Scores of women have been seriously hurt to this day and have been suffering as a result of their experiences,” he said.
“None of them was told what was being done to them.”
He said the report also showed that consultants take up too much of their time with private patients.
“The women need to know what are you going to do to have that culture removed to guarantee to other women that this can never happen again.”
Earlier, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny repeated calls for whistleblower legislation and for a new Patient Safety Authority watchdog.
“We need comprehensive whistleblower legislation that will provide protection for staff in any organisation that brings attention to wrongdoing.
“A Patient Safety Authority cold provide an invaluable voice for patient interests and would ensure that patient safety is at the centre of medical practice and that all professional bodies meet the highest standards.”
Mr Kenny also called for a full garda investigation of sinister issues detailed in Judge Harding Clark’s report, including three break-ins at Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital, missing files and interference with records.
