Allegations of sexual assault against former surgeon Michael Shine will be examined by a Government-appointed investigator.
Minister for Health Mary Harney said she will recruit a former High Court judge to hear complaints made against the consultant to decide if a full inquiry should be opened.
Support group Dignity 4 Patients says 160 patients have claimed they were abused while Shine worked at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for 30 years up to 1994.
Former nurse Bernadette Sullivan, who initially voiced concerns about Mr Shine’s conduct, said the group’s members and anyone affected by the case will be able to have an input into the review.
She revealed a pool of information has been collected that has not yet been seen by the authorities.
“It is a little bit disappointing that it’s not the inquiry,” Ms Sullivan said outside the Department of Health, minutes after a meeting with the Minister.
“But we are optimistic. We can give the relevant information to this High Court judge and we would hope that when he hears the facts that are in our possession that he will see the need for an inquiry.”
Ms Sullivan said the review meant people alleging they had been assaulted will be able to tell their story and talk to someone in authority.
“For a lot of people, it will be the first time they feel they have been heard by anybody who has any power to do anything,” she added.
In 2003 Mr Shine, who is now in his late 70s, was acquitted of 11 counts of indecent assault on six teenage boys between 1974 and 1982.
But last year he was struck off the medical register for professional misconduct by the Medical Council which found he committed assaults on three male patients and undertook inappropriate medical examinations.
Gardaí are investigating more than 80 allegations - which Mr Shine denies.
The group is demanding a new inquiry is set up to focus on Shine’s behaviour while he worked at the hospital.
Ms Sullivan said once a judge is appointed, they hope to know within weeks if a full investigation will be held.
“Closure is very important for all people affected here and the longer this is dragged out it is more distressing and causing more stress for all the people affected,” she added.
PA