Cancer diagnosis error instigates hospital inquiry

SERVICES for the diagnosis of cancer at two hospitals will be scrutinised as part of a wide-ranging inquiry to determine how a woman was wrongly given the all-clear for breast cancer.

Pathology services at Cork University Hospital (CUH) and symptomatic breast disease services at the Mid West Regional Hospital in Limerick will be examined as part of a probe into the care provided to Rebecca O’Malley by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

HIQA, the authority appointed to carry out the independent inquiry, will also examine the investigation undertaken by HSE in respect of Rebecca O’Malley. The HSE inquiry blamed human error — the pathologist who issued the incorrect report worked at CUH for approximately one year. The HIQA investigation will include inspection of medical records, imaging and slides.

Ms O’Malley, a 41-year-old mother of three, from Ballina, Co Tipperary, was given an incorrect report of a biopsy carried out at CUH in 2005. The report said her breast lump was benign. 14 months later she had a mastectomy.

Yesterday HIQA — which was set up to drive quality and safety in the health service — said if, in the course of its inquiry, concerns arose that there was a serious risk to the health or welfare of any person, the scope of the investigation could be broadened.

HIQA chief, Dr Tracey Cooper, said the terms of reference would allow the investigation team “to conduct a thorough and robust investigation into all aspects of the care received by Rebecca O’Malley”.

The team will include experts from Ireland and Britain, as well as representatives of patient groups. Dr Cooper said the report and its recommendations would be published once the investigation is completed.

Ms O’Malley said she would assist the inquiry team where necessary and that she was not interested in a witch hunt.

www.hiqa.ie