Hospital confirms radiologists did not review 57,000 x-rays

Tallaght hospital in Dublin is at the centre of a cancer misdiagnoses scandal after it was confirmed that more than 57,000 x-rays taken between 2005 and the end of last year, were not reviewed by a consultant radiologist.

The hospital said that the x-rays involved were for a variety of tests including cancer, orthopaedics and cardiac checks.

The hospitals designate CEO Professor Kevin Conlon said he became aware of the issue when he was appointed last December and admits he was "stunned".

The x-rays weren't reviewed by a consultant radiologist but would have been examined by another clinician - something Professor Conlon said is "not acceptable".

The hospital said that to its deep regret, two patients had a delayed diagnosis as a result.

One died last summer and another is undergoing treatment for cancer.

Extra staff were appointed to clear the hospitals radiology backlog - so far more than 34,000 of the x-rays involved have been reviewed and reports finalised.

Tallaght hospital hopes the remaining 23,169 x-rays will be reviewed by May.

For anyone concerned a special helpline has been set up - the number is 1800 283 059