SERIOUS failures on the part of healthcare providers can result in devastating outcomes for patients and their families, as well as having traumatic effects on healthcare staff.

A PLAN to overhaul the health service published this week has been described as “quietly revolutionary”, by a leading health consultant.

A member of the team investigating the misdiagnosis of breast cancer sufferer Rebecca O’Malley urged the Government today to designate specialist testing centres around the country.

Health Minister Mary Harney tonight ordered an investigation into how a woman with breast cancer was twice mistakenly given the all-clear.