The March Memo

at

This afternoon.

A briefing note read by HSE chief Tony O’Brien in March 2016, four months before a final draft was sent to consultants.

Mr O’Brien has previously stated the first he heard about the cases was when he saw Vicky Phelan on RTÉ News last month.

More to follow.

Earlier: Alarm Bells

Unspeakable

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28 thoughts on “The March Memo

  1. Joe Small

    I’m going to stick my head out there and say that its common sense that no system is fool-proof and, while the memo reads pretty coldheartedly, its actually broadly accurate. The difference is, when most of us make mistakes at work, we move on without much consequences whereas their mistakes can be fatal.

    1. b

      The memo is tone-deaf to the rights of the patients here but the need to defend the program from negative possible publicity is understandable. Lots have people have been at pains to point out in the past weeks that the system is not designed to ‘diagnose’ cancer and that women should not leave the screening program

    2. Jeffrey

      “The difference is, when most of us make mistakes at work, we move on without much consequences whereas their mistakes can be fatal.”

      Precisely where the outrage lies. These guys are getting paid astronomical amount of money on the premise that their job is more important than Joe Soap. Except, when the shit hit the fan no one will lift their hand up and surrender. Another “Kicking & Screaming” scenario.

  2. Cian

    “Most importantly during the conduct of the clinical audit to date no systematic quality problem of concern has been identified.”

  3. rotide

    I’m with Joe on this, I’m not sure what nefarious deeds this is supposed to prove?

    1. Walter Ego

      Did you miss this bit or are you deliberately ignoring it? ……
      “A briefing note reportedly seen by HSE chief Tony O’Brien in March 2016, four months before a final draft was sent to consultants.
      Mr O’Brien has previously said the first heard about the cases was when he saw Vicky Phelan on the news”.

      Tony O’Brien lied. Get it now?

      1. b

        Was he not referring to the legal cases, not cases where the screening program did not flag a subsequent cancer (which is an expected result of the program)

        1. Walter Ego

          The memo is a signal to circle the wagons, consult the solicitors , get you stories straight and prepare a media response and cover your ass.

        2. GiggidyGoo

          The underlined sections should give you a clue that there were cases. Nothing specific mentioned, but cases had been identified. Trying to worm out of this in such a disingenuous manner is pretty shameful. He knew there were cases. He did nothing.

      2. rotide

        He didn’t lie.

        Nowhere in the memo does it mention any of the cases that we are seeing at the moment. It’s a memo outlining the reason for the audit process.

        1. GiggidyGoo

          Such bull emanating. He failed to act. He had case information. Hiding behind ‘he didn’t lie’ is bull. He tried to give the impression that he has unaware of cases, and was outed by th memo above. He knew of cases and didn’t act.

          1. Cian

            Of course he knew that there were instances of women given false negative tests – he did run Cervical Check for 14 years. All screening programmes all over the world have false negative tests.

            Of course he knew that once a positive test was received that Cervical Check would audit that woman’s previous tests – (in line with best practice – to see why it was missed – and to learn from it and to reduce the likelihood of it happening again) – he did run Cervical Check for 14 years. All decent screening programmes all over the world audit historical tests when a later one is positive.

            But was he aware of Vicky’s case going to court? who knows.

  4. Cian

    Wait a minute – Cervical Check decided to implement an audit check in 2010… who was the CEO of Cervical Check when this audit we approved?

    1. Cian

      dunno – but the HSE pushed an ‘Open Disclosure’ policy in 2015… the timing suggests that this was the trigger to inform the women.

  5. Catherine costelloe

    MR o Briens attitude is hurting the victims. He spoke of hysteria.
    I see beautiful innocent children facing their lives without mummy.
    Do the right thing Mr o Brien and go. You staying is going to make f all difference , go, resign forthwith.

        1. GiggidyGoo

          Harris – Health Minister. The ultimate boss. No qualifications to be even let near the health portfolio, or any other for that matter. Do you think he should stay?
          You agree on Varadkar though?

          1. Cian

            Jeez. Harris got the job in May 2016. All the issues happened prior to that date.
            There are 100,000 people working in HSE. Is the current minister responsible for all issues that anyone in the HSE ever did?

            As for qualifications – who is qualified for Minister for Health? huh? perhaps a doctor?

  6. Truth in the News

    Mr Varadkar was Minister for Health was he unaware what was going on….?…is he next.

    1. GiggidyGoo

      He will have to check with his office. Oh wait! He said that he would, last week. We wait.

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