Sir, – We wish to respond to Domhnall Ó Catháin's comments (December 5th ) that Ireland should adopt a similar practice to that of Michigan.
On November 12th, the Minister for Health launched the State Claims Agency and HSE national policy and guideline on open disclosure. This means those who suffer harm will receive a timely acknowledgment, apology, explanation and a commitment to try and prevent a recurrence. There is a standard on open disclosure within Hiqa Safer Better Healthcare and an accredited training programme for all health and social care professionals to support them in doing this. This approach aims to promote healing for all, particularly the service user/patient and those caring for them. – Yours, etc,
ANN DUFFY, (Lead in open
disclosure at
the State Claims Agency)
ANGELA TYSALL,
(Lead in open
disclosure
for the HSE),
C/o Lower Grand Canal
Street,
Dublin 2.