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HEALTH MINISTER SIMON Harris has confirmed that that the HSE will conduct a “precautionary” review of foetal monitors used in 11 Irish hospitals following an RTÉ investigation.
This morning, it emerged how concerns had been raised about certain foetal monitors. A recall of the devices was issued in 2009 because of the high number of complaints received. Many were claiming the devices were taking inaccurate readings.
Today, Minister Harris confirmed the HSE review.
He said: “In 2009, the company that provides foetal monitors issued guidance right around the world in relation to our hospitals, and in relation to how they should use those monitors. I’m informed by the HSE that they put in place a number of measures to make sure that that guidance was followed, including mandatory training for staff.”
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“This week the HSE is going to meet with the company that provides those monitors to further examine the issue, and what the HSE has decided to do, which I think is sensible and prudent, is to put in place a precautionary look-back, to look and check that these monitors are being correctly used in all of our hospitals, and also to make sure that there is no patient safety risk to anyone.”
Harris also sought to ensure expectant mothers that all the hospitals have been “reissued with the guidance” over the machines. He said that the guidance means that those using those monitors know how to correctly interpret the results.
He added: “We have made a number of improvements in our maternity services in recent years, including the fact that, this year HIQUA will inspect for the first ever time our maternity hospitals.”
“We now have monthly patients safety statements published by our maternity hospitals and we have set up the national women and infants health programme.”
“So, I think it’s right and proper in (this) environment that the HSE would take precautionary steps to make sure there is no patient safety risk.”
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What a brilliant out of the box idea – where they whole world is turning extreme right it’s refreshing to see the possibilities to be had while providing a service to African countries. We get bashed from pillar to post by politicians and inquiry after inquiry and sometimes lose track of what makes Irish people great.
@Paul: So a good news story about an African country gets dragged down by someone virtue signalling their hatred of all things right wing. IMO it’s a great story as it shows what people can do for themselves if given the help and resources to get started, One needs seed capital to participate in capitalism, these credit unions appear to be doing the right thing in getting economic activity going. Like many in the West they too wanted and have opted for change in government, here’s hoping the new guy can govern well and support these business people.
@Paul: Capitalism at its best, private individuals and organisations taking matters into their own hands instead of waiting for the government to do something about it.
My Dad worked with the Irish League of Credit Unions in the Gambia to help train local people and set up Credit Unions in 1998 and again in 2000. I’ve sent him this link. It’ll make his day.
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