Statement from the Department of Health and Children following the meeting with the survivors of Symphysiotomy
1 October 2003
The Minister for Health and Children met today with representatives of the Survivors of Symphysiotomy group. It was a productive meeting at which the group presented a number of case studies to the Minister.
The Minister has agreed a number of measures with the group including;
- The provision of medical assessment and treatment for survivors
of symphysiotomy
- A help-line will be established, a liaison person assigned in
each health board area and a counselling service will be
developed
- An information pack will be made available to symphysiotomy
survivors and a GP information pack will be circulated to GP
practices nationally advising of the type of complications that can
arise following the symphysiotomy procedure.
- An external review of the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland will take place.
Officials will shortly meet again with the Group to move forward with these measures.
