Following a meeting of the Board of the Health Information and Quality Authority in Cork, and a request from the Minister for Health and Children, the Authority has confirmed that it is to undertake an independent investigation of the management of quality and safety arrangements at Ennis General Hospital. 

Having carefully considered briefings received from the Health Service Executive and discussions with the Minister for Health and Children and her officials, the Authority believes that it is necessary to conduct such an investigation in order to review the quality of the services provided at Ennis General Hospital.

This is pursuant to the Health Act 2007 which empowers the Authority to undertake an investigation on the grounds that there is a serious risk to the health or welfare of a person receiving those services.

Dr Tracey Cooper, Chief Executive of the Authority said, “The investigation is being conducted to ascertain the quality and safety of the services provided at Ennis General Hospital. This decision follows a review of the information available on the recently reported cases of misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis”.

The Authority will be working closely with the Health Service Executive, Ennis General Hospital, the Minister for Health and Children, and her officials to ensure that the investigation will result in a comprehensive report with recommendations that will apply to hospitals throughout Ireland.

The terms of reference will be published as soon as possible, and the Authority will publish the report and recommendations of its investigation when they are completed.

Ends.

Further Information: 

Marty Whelan, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

01 8047652 / 086 2447623 mwhelan@hiqa.ie