IT glitch at hospitals causes major test result delays

A major glitch in the computer system processing pathology test results in hospitals in Cork and Kerry is causing serious delays in diagnostic services, with patients left waiting and staff struggling to do the work manually.

The problem arose last weekend, and some patients attending Cork University Hospital who are awaiting test results described the situation as “chaotic”.

One man, who did not wish to be identified, said a relative with cancer had treatment held up as they waited for blood test results. Another patient said diabetics attending an outpatient clinic were told to go home and return another day.