Hospital apologises for standard of care delivered to woman who died in January

Mayo University Hospital has apologised in the High Court for the standard of care given to a woman who had a chest x-ray two years ago and who it was alleged suffered a delay in the diagnosis of her lung cancer.

File photo of Mayo University Hospital

Mrs McDonnell, it was claimed, suffered a lost opportunity to be considered for feasibility of surgery, and lost the opportunity to have the suspicious lung mass evaluated in July 2017, and she allegedly suffered a delay in diagnosis. The claims were denied.

Oisin Quinn SC said Mrs McDonnell had a chest X-ray in 2017 and should have been referred for a CT scan. Counsel said a diagnosis of lung cancer was made 15 months later.

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Kevin Cross sympathised with Mr McDonnell and his family.