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Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

Child audiology misdiagnoses

Summary

Deputy Eugene Murphy raised the review of 900 children’s audiology cases in CHO 2, including 49 misdiagnoses, and asked about staff screening. The Minister said it would be reckless to speculate and would ask the responsible Minister to respond.

I want bring the Minister back to audiology in the community healthcare organisation, CHO, 2 area and particularly to the recent damning news about the review of the cases of 900 children who had gone to the service which found that 49 had been misdiagnosed. It is shocking news and a shocking state of affairs. Obviously the Minister will not know the answer today but, on the basis that some of these young people have been left with lifelong impairments because they were misdiagnosed, what is the Government's intention in respect of the screening of staff? That is very important. Does the Minister think there should be an audit of all equipment being used? Will there be further investigation of this situation on the basis that the audiologist in question worked in other parts of the country? That audiologist has been suspended from working in this jurisdiction but it is necessary and crucial that the Government investigates this situation further to ensure that no other children have fallen into the net.

Comment on this

While I appreciate the seriousness of the issue Deputy Murphy is raising, it would be reckless of me to comment on what the appropriate response to it would be. I will again have to get the responsible Minister to get back to the Deputy.

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