Harney apologises to patient over cancer test errors

Health Minister Mary Harney tonight ordered an investigation into how a woman with breast cancer was twice mistakenly given the all-clear.

Ms Harney apologised to the woman who on separate occasions in 2005 and this year was misdiagnosed by University College Hospital, Galway (UCHG).

She went to Barringtons Hospital, Limerick, as a patient on both occasions and samples were taken and forwarded to the UCHG laboratory, which misread the results.

This comes three months after it was revealed Co Tipperary woman Rebecca O’Malley was diagnosed with cancer 14 months after she was initially given the all-clear by medics.

“The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, TD, was made aware in recent days by the HSE about the misdiagnosis of breast cancer in a woman who resides in the Mid-Western region,” a spokeswoman for the Minister said.

“She is aware that the woman presented to Barringtons Hospital, Limerick, initially in 2005, and again in 2007, and that there is specific concern surrounding two pathology tests performed in University College Hospital, Galway during that time.

“The Minister has decided that a prompt investigation is required into all aspects of this woman’s care, and any other issues that may arise, in line with best international practice following reports of adverse clinical events.

“She has asked officials to examine the most appropriate and effective mechanism for this investigation, including the option of a statutory inquiry under the Commissions of Investigations Act, 2004, which would require Government approval,” she said.

The woman, who has not been identified, underwent her first biopsy in September 2005, the results of which came back negative for cancer.

But earlier this year she discovered another lump and a second biopsy in March was carried out which also presented negative.

Her doctor asked that it be rechecked and it was sent to Bon Secours Hospital in Cork, where it came back positive.

Ms Harney’s spokeswoman said the Minister is also to brief the Medical Council on the matter and has met the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) which is to inquire into the case.

HIQA is taking part in the Commission on Patient Safety, set up by Ms Harney in January and chaired by Dr Deirdre Madden.

Its work includes developing proposals for greater accountability within the health system.

The HIQA is also examining Ms O’Malley’s case, who was misdiagnosed after a biopsy at the Midwestern Regional Hospital, Limerick, in March 2005.

That sample was read at Cork University Hospital (CUH) laboratory.

A second biopsy 14 months later showed she did have cancer.

She later received a personal apology from Ms Harney over her treatment.