Hospital ‘unaware’ of woman’s cancer history

A MEMBER of the Health Service Executive who was told she couldn’t be screened for breast cancer until April 15, 2008, had an operation for ovarian cancer in February 2001 at the same hospital, it emerged yesterday.

Aileen Pyne, a 57-year-old former teacher and member of the HSE Southern Forum, said she was surprised that the South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital in Cork was reportedly not aware of her medical history.

She made the comment yesterday after the hospital issued a statement claiming a letter of referral from her GP for a mammogram didn’t specify her previous history of cancer.

“I would have thought they have computerised records and would be aware of my case, especially as I had my cancer surgery at the same hospital in 2001. If I stayed at a hotel and went to book it again they’d have all my details on computer,” the county councillor said.

Ms Pyne, who is from Fermoy, Co Cork, shocked colleagues at a HSE meeting last Thursday when she showed them the appointment she’d received for a breast check. When she got the letter last February she thought it read April 2006, and couldn’t believe she’d have to wait two years.

Yesterday she said she subsequently learned she could fast-track breast cancer screening by going private.

“I didn’t open the letter my GP gave me, I simply posted it to the hospital. I will discuss the situation with him, but I was with him at the time on account of my ovarian cancer.”

Gerard O’Callaghan, chief executive of the South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital, said that all women who presented with a “clinical suspicion of malignancy” could be seen almost immediately or, at most, within five working days.

He said the hospital’s consultant radiologists review all GP referral letters requesting mammograms for patients and, on the basis of these letters, decide whether an urgent or a routine mammogram is required.

“It is imperative that the referring GP stipulates any relevant information and concerns about their patient so that the hospital can make an appointment based on all the facts relevant to the case. A patient with no clinical indications of breast malignancy will be given the next routine appointment for a mammogram.”

Approximately 4,000 mammograms are carried out at the South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital each year, but it is hoped to significantly increase this number when a new BreastCheck Unit is opened on its grounds before the end of 2007.