The work of the review group to inquire into some operations by Dr Michael Neary, an obstetrician in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, is under way, according to a spokesman for the NorthEastern Health Board.
The NEHB spokesman yesterday dismissed suggestions that the board might face legal difficulties when it receives the report of the review group because it is not covered by privilege. "The board is not aware that there are legal difficulties," he said. The report is due in just over three months.
The review group, made up of three members of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, was set up following allegations that Dr Neary had carried out an abnormal number of Caesarean hysterectomies, removing the wombs of women while delivering their babies by Caesarean section.
This is not the first health board inquiry into the work of employees or the handling of cases under their responsibility. Last year, the North-Western Health Board was the subject of an inquiry into how staff handled the McColgan case. It is normal in such inquiries for the draft report to go to those inquired into, and to their lawyers, for their comments and, if necessary, amendments before it is published.
The NEHB spokesman said yesterday it would be inappropriate to comment on this case while the review was going on. There would be no contact with the subject of the report until "the process" was complete. It is understood that Dr Neary has agreed to the procedure.
When the report is completed and, if necessary, amended, the health board will have the choice of publishing it or presenting it to the Minister. The Minister could then lay it before the Dail, where it would be covered by privilege.
All of this is separate from any inquiry into the fitness to practise of Dr Neary, which lies within the Medical Council's ambit. The council does not normally instigate inquiries and usually sets up hearings of its fitness to practise committee only following a complaint.