Ennis cancer probe team appointed

THE review team investigating cancer services at the Mid-West Regional Hospital in Ennis is expected to complete its work within three months.

The Health and Information Quality Authority (HIQA), which set up the review after it was revealed that two women who had been given the all-clear at Ennis later died as a result of cancer, yesterday announced that the investigation will be chaired by a leading English health executive.

The decision to hold an investigation was made last month amid huge public disquiet over the misdiagnoses of Ann Moriarty and Edel Kelly at Ennis General Hospital.

At the time HIQA said the review was set up “on grounds there is a serious risk to the health or welfare of a person receiving those services” at the hospital.

Ann Moriarty, 53, died last April, eight months after being told her chest X-rays at the hospital in Ennis were normal. She had been in remission from breast cancer after undergoing a mastectomy in Dublin in 2005.

Meanwhile, Kilrush mother-of-two Edel Kelly, 26, also died after a misdiagnosis at the Mid-West Regional Hospital.

The investigation team into the quality and safety of patient care at the hospital is being chaired by chief executive of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust Diane Whittingham.

According to HIQA, Ms Whittingham has more than 30 years’ experience in health service management.

A spokesman said the review should be complete within three months and, after the investigation work is carried out, the report will be examined by lawyers and the board of HIQA, before being published.