HSE and open disclosure

Sir, – The retiring director general of the HSE in his statement makes reference to the implementation of "open disclosure" ("HSE chief to leave his post in summer", News, March 6th).

Open disclosure is a purely voluntary policy with no legal obligation whatsoever to disclose negligence. Additionally there are currently zero consequences for non-disclosure.

While it is understandable that the director general wishes to talk up his own achievements, it is important that the severe limitations of open disclosure are not ignored.

A statutory duty of candour would place a legal obligation to disclose negligence. In order to prevent negligence being concealed it needs to be implemented as a matter of urgency. – Yours, etc,

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RUARY MARTIN,

Sandyford,

Dublin 18.