Patients Affected By 'Misdiagnosis' To Be Rechecked

Thousands of hospital patients in the northeast who were affected by the possible misdiagnosis of their CT scans and chest X-rays are due to receive notification that their files are being rechecked.

The case, being examined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is thought to be largest 'look back' in recent years, with 6,000 chest X-rays and 70 CT scans being reviewed.

Several months ago concerns were raised about the practice of a locom consultant radiologist who worked in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda and Our Lady's Hospital in Navan from August 2006 to August 2007. A review of the radiologist's work uncovered at least four cases of cancer misdiagnosis. These patients have all died since.

An expert team of radiologists will carry out the X-rays and CT scans. The of radiologists is made up of an internal/external mixed panel of radiologists from Louth Meath and Northern Ireland.

It is understood the review may take up to eight weeks, but patients may be informed beforehand if there are any further problems.

A HSE spokeswoman, this morning, said: "We want to do it right and that is why we have put an eight-week time frame in place."

Minister for Health, Mary Harney also said the review would "allow the HSE to establish if there was a clinical significance for the delayed diagnosis".

However, those in the northeast have been said to be angry over the length of time it has taken the HSE to contact those involved.

Patients who have concerns are asked to call the HSE on: 1850 24 1850 between 10am and 6pm.

(JM)