Report on cancer diagnosis error likely next month

A REPORT on the circumstances that led to a woman with breast cancer being wrongly given the all-clear is expected to be published next month.

Shortly before Christmas the Health Information and Quality Authority, which is carrying out the investigation, announced that publication of the report was being postponed because new information had come to light.

The authority was commissioned to compile the report in May by Health Service Executive chief Prof Brendan Drumm, after it emerged Tipperary woman Rebecca O’Malley, 41, had to have a mastectomy following a 14-month delay in diagnosing the cancer.

At least another 28 medical records, involving 24 patients, were also reviewed as part of the investigation that focused on safety, quality and standards of HSE symptomatic breast disease services at the Midwest Regional Hospital in Limerick and pathology services at Cork University Hospital (CUH).

Both hospitals are involved in the investigation because Ms O’Malley’s care was spread over both hospitals. However, the error in diagnosis occurred at CUH. Due to a backlog in Limerick, Ms O’Malley’s biopsy sample was sent to CUH.

A spokesperson for the authority said that further work needed on the report was almost finished. Following legal verification the report will be considered by the board of the authority.

Once the board approves the document it will be published immediately.

The spokesperson said it was expected that the report would be published next month.