Women to issue malpractice claims

Up to 80 women who underwent symphysiotomies as an alternative to Caesarean sections will this week issue medical malpractice proceedings against hospitals and health boards where the operations were carried out.

Hundreds of symphysiotomies - an operation which permanently widens the pelvis - were carried out on pregnant women in Irish hospitals between the 1950s and the 1980s.

However, many women say the operation was carried out without their consent and have gone on to suffer life-long health conditions such as incontinence and mobility problems.

The medical malpractice claims will name maternity hospitals across the State including Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda, the National Maternity Hospital and Coombe Women's Hospital in Dublin, the Bons Secours in Cork, St Munchin's in Limerick and St Luke's in Kilkenny.

Figures show that 348 of the operations were carried out in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda between 1950 and 1983, while hundreds more were carried out in maternity hospitals in Dublin and Cork.

The women are seeking compensation for injuries as a result of alleged negligence and lack of after-care for long-term health problems.

A number of obstetricians, however, have defended the practice and said it was used as a safer alternative to the Caesarean section, seen as more dangerous 50 years ago.

The actions are being taken on behalf of the 80 women by the same solicitor's firm which is handling a large number of cases against Drogheda obstetrician, Dr Michael Neary.

Many of the women claim they have little option except to lodge proceedings in the High Court because of the danger of their claims becoming statute-barred.

The Supreme Court recently rejected a medical negligence claim brought by one of Dr Neary's former patients on the grounds that it was outside a three-year time limit for such cases.

Mr Colm MacGeehin has confirmed that proceedings will be issued this week, although he insisted that women would prefer to take another avenue, such as a compensation tribunal, if it was open to them.

"Nothing is being offered to them, except the promise of counselling and medical cards for their continuing care as a result of their suffering," he said. "They have no income. It is their only option, unless there is a compensation tribunal. It's a finite number and the Minister has the power to right a terrible wrong."

The Department of Health has responded to concern among the women and is planning to launch a review of the practice, while a range of health services has also been made available to the women.

A special medical card is about to be issued for anyone who underwent symphysiotomies which will cover additional services and benefits.

A central assessment facility has also been put in place, based at Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital in Finglas, Dublin.