Breast Cancer Patients Face Anxious Wait

Date Published: 18-Jul-2008

A NUMBER of patients who had laboratory tests at a Galway hospital during a six week period four years ago are being recalled as HSE West admit this week that the work of a third pathologist might be under suspicion.

The latest revelation comes following the publication of a damning report by the Health Information and Quality Authority into pathology services at University Hospital Galway, where two different consultant pathologists made diagnostic errors on separate occasions which led to one patient experiencing an 18 month delay in her breast cancer diagnosis.

But separate to that investigation by HIQA, hospital management admitted this week that a third pathologist who worked briefly at UHG was subsequently suspended in the UK last September for “professional related issues” for an 18 month period. The hospital was informed of this six months ago and they have now put in place a recall procedure of patients whose tests may have been examined by him during a six week period of February and March of 2004.

“The Hospital advised HIQA and the HSE of this issue and with the advice of the Faculty of Pathology, have sought a second opinion on diagnostic tests and diagnostic reports carried out by this Pathologist during the period of his employment. This process is now complete and patients requiring further follow-up identified. All patients involved are being contacted with the majority now contacted.

“The Hospital has set up a telephone line for anyone who may have concerns or…