Consultant wrote of breast services concerns on July 5

FULL details emerged yesterday of the sequence of events that led to the suspension of breast radiography services in Portlaoise last August and the placing of a consultant radiologist on administrative leave.

* July 5, 2005: Peter Naughten, a consultant surgeon in the Midlands Regional Hospital, wrote to Minister for Health Mary Harney outlining his concerns about breast services in the hospital. He raised the question of mammography scans which were being diagnosed as positive but which were healthy.

* July 2005: The letter, though addressed to Ms Harney, is not read by her but is dealt with by senior officials in her department who refer it to the HSE. It is also brought to the attention of Professor Donal Hollywood, the regional director of cancer services in the Midland Region.

* July-September 2005: Discussions involving Dr Naughten, Prof Hollywood and management at the hospital. The HSE agree Dr Naughten can refer any mammogram to St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin for a second opinion.

* September 2005 to December 2006: Dr Naughten begins to request repeat mammograms in St Vincent’s. The referral process confirmed the concerns.

* August 15, 2007: The manager is formally notified. Breast radiology services are suspended. About 10 false positive mammograms have been identified.

* August 29, 2007: Mary Harney learns of the situation. Consultant is placed on administrative leave and a review is set up led by Dr Ann O’Doherty of St Vincent’s Hospital.