Temple Street Children's Hospital in Dublin has confirmed that it is investigating its records to discover whether human brain tissue was given to drug companies in the 1970s and 80s. Yesterday, an Irish based international drug company said that it had received human brain tissue from more than one hospital for eleven years to manufacture growth hormone.
Michael Lyons Chief Executive of Tallaght Hospital incorporating the National Childrens Hospital said they have records of 28 post mortems carried out on children in the period 1977 to 1981.They found no evidence to suggest that pituitary glands were passed on to drug companies. He said they would continue to review their files.
The Southern Health Board is undertaking a detailed search to ascertain if the removal of pituitary glands had ever taken place for pharmaceutical or commercial purposes. In a statement this evening, the Board said there is no immediate evidence to suggest such a practice occurred.
Meanwhile, the professional body representing pathologists has issued new guidelines on post mortem consent. They recommend that specific consent should be required where organs are retained for teaching or research purposes.
