Labour calls for Patient Safety authority

The Labour Party is calling for the establishment of a Patient Safety Authority following the revelation that a woman was falsely given the all-clear for breast cancer.

The woman's treatment was delayed by a year-and-a-half following two false test results at University College Hospital Galway last September and March.

Labour deputy leader Liz McManus says the case highlights the need for a fundamental review of the health system.

She says the Government needs to ensure patient safety is protected and should appoint a watchdog to oversee the situation.